DONALD FRANCIS HARTMAN

1923-2017

Donald Francis Hartman passed away peacefully on October 22, 2017 at the age of 94, in his home in Pearland Texas.

Don was born on January 15th, 1923 in Houston Texas to parents William and Celia Hartman. He was the youngest of 10 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, all 9 of his siblings, his wife Julia of 58 years, and his son in-law Hollis McKinney.

Don was a native Houstonian and graduated from Milby High School. After High School, Don began working at Reed Roller Bit Company on Navigation. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942, transferred into the Ninth Air Force, and was a proud World War II Veteran serving in Europe until the end of the war. Many of Don’s stories go back to growing up on the east end with his siblings and his WWII experiences.

Upon returning from Europe, Don got his old job back at Reed Roller Bit and met his future bride Julia Skripka. Don and Julia married in Houston on November 28th, 1946. They moved to Heron Street in 1953 and raised their 4 children in the Mt. Carmel Community. Don enjoyed taking his family camping, fishing, and water skiing. He really enjoyed all the good times he spent with his numerous nephews and nieces.

At Reeds, Don worked his way up to Journeyman Electrician. At one time, he was 1 of 4 brothers working at Reeds. After 45 years of service, Don retired in 1986. He was an active Reed Credit Union Board Member until his death. Many of Don’s closest friends worked at Reeds.

Don was a passionate Houston baseball fan from the Buffs, to his beloved Colt .45s and Astros. Don worked part time at the Astrodome from the first opening game until 1990. He worked the West Gate Field Boxes at Astros’ home games, loved the Dome, and enjoyed meeting all the players, coaches, and fans that came to the games.

Don led a full life and was blessed with a large family of his own. He was known as PawPaw to all of his grandchildren and to their children. What made PawPaw the happiest was family, he cherished his grandkids. He always looked forward to frequent and large family gatherings and played an active role in his grandchildren’s lives.

Don is survived by his children and their spouses. Donna McKinney of La Grange, Michael and Brenda Hartman of Fulshear, Patricia and Joseph Schmid of Friendswood, and Joyce and James Walker of Pearland. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Sean, Tami, Christine, Brandon, Kelsey, Laura, Savannah, and Carter along with 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild, numerous nephews and nieces, and his faithful dog Taffy.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28th, at 9:00am at Forest Park Lawndale followed by services at 10:00am.