Jack R. Hartman, Sr.

Jack R. Hartman, Sr., 82, of Milford, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

Jack was born May 24, 1935 to Herbert V. and Rachel Mae Davis-Hartman in Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herbert “Bud” Hartman and Donald Hartman; sisters, Evelyn Judd and Betty Weller; and a grandson, James Hoffman.

Jack was the sixth child born in the Hartman family and he joined three older brothers, Herbert, Robert and Donald, and older sisters, Evelyn and Betty.  Evelyn and Betty were very hopeful for a baby sister.  Since Jack came into the world with a head of curly hair, big beautiful hazel eyes and long eye lashes, Jack’s sisters had their “baby sister” for a little while.  They dressed him in doll clothes and took him out in the baby carriage and introduced their “baby sister” Jackie to the neighbors! He was always “Jackie” to Betty and Evelyn.  Two years after Jack was born, another son, Larry, was born into the family.  Lastly the family was blessed with another son, Dalton.  Jack loved each and every one of his siblings dearly.

His hero and dearest friend though, was his younger brother Larry.  Larry and Jack bought their first car together.  As a young boy Larry fell into a coma due to juvenile diabetes and bravely battled diabetes for more than 70 years, and through it all, lost most of his eye sight.

Three of Jack’s brothers served in the military, honorably and their service to our precious county inspired Jack to serve as well.

At a young and tender age, about 4 or 5 years of age, Jack discovered his neighbors had kittens in their barn.  Since that wonderful discovery, Jack has never known a cat he didn’t love.  He would take a whole pack of them home, as many as his little arms count carry.  His precious momma would gently explain they were babies and still needed their mommy.  She would walk with him to take the kittens back to the barn. That began a life-long love of all things, cats, with Jack.

As a young man, Jack married Bonnie Brown, a lovely young lady and they were blessed with six precious children; Randy (Cindy) of Marion, Ohio, Cheryl (Jim) Jones of Cleveland, Ohio, Timothy Hartman of Columbia City, James Hartman of South Whitley, Pamela Hoffman of South Whitley, and Jody Hartman of Goshen.  As a young, married man with children, Jack joined the Indiana National Guard and was honorably discharged in the mid to late 1950’s.

On Nov. 19, 1966, Jack married Sandra Gaff, the love of his life.  Jack and Sandra were blessed with two children, Lisa Anne Hartman of Valparaiso, and Jack, Jr.(Diane) Hartman of Elkhart.

Jack worked as a machinist at Goshen Mold and Tool for a number of years.  In August 1998, he retired from Goshen Rubber Company.

On Nov. 19, 2016, a 50th wedding anniversary reception was hosted for Jack and Sandy by their nieces, Cathy Maggard and Karen Hatfield, in the church where they were married.  Cathy and Karen gave Jack and Sandy memories that will last forever.

His legacy will be continued through the love of his eight children and 25 grandchildren, who were all proud moments in Jack’s life.

Friends may call Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a Monday, March 12, 2018 funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m.  Rev. Mike Gross, Grace Bible Baptist Church, will officiate.

Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Noble Co.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Bible Broadcasting Network or World Missionary Press.