Robert Hartman

HARTMAN, Robert L., age 82 of Vandalia, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Springfield Masonic Home. He was born On August 16, 1925, in Laffette, IN. Robert was a WWII veteran, serving as a Navy pilot. He worked at W.P.A.F.B. as a Director of Engineering and Deputy for Strategic Systems. He valued hard work, dedication and honesty. He was very committed to public service and civic duty. He served as head usher at his church, taught Sunday school, was a little league baseball coach, Vice-Mayor of Vandalia and supported numerous charities. He was also there for his friends and those in need. Robert enjoyed family vacations, golf, football and boating. He was very outgoing and had a large and varied group of friends through his workplace, civic activities, church, organizations and neighbors. He was a loyal husband, married to Cleora (Nee Pitts) on February 5, 1948 and a loving father to his four daughters and three sons. Robert was preceded in death by his only sibling, Helen and his parents, Carl and Helen. He is survived by his wife, Cleora (Cleo); children, Deborah Hartman (Galehouse ) & husband Dave, Calvin L. Hartman & wife Ann, Vickie L. Smith & husband Scott, Gary A. Hartman, Teresa A. Key & husband Don, Jeffrey K. Hartman and Patricia M Merrick & husband Marlin; 14 grandchildren, Corey, Tanya, John, Tara, Quinn, Garrett, Eric, Tristan, Scott, Andy, John, Jason, Todd & Kelli; 2 great-grandchildren, Morgan & Gavin. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Vandalia with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. Burial at Poplar Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. Masonic Memorial Services will be held at 8:00p.m. Tuesday evening. If so desired contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association or St. Judes Childrens Hospital in Roberts memory.