David L. Hartman, 80 , of rural South Whitley, died peacefully Sunday morning, October 17, 2021 at Kingston Care Center, Fort Wayne, where he been a resident since August.

On July 13, 1941, he was born in Allen County, Indiana, to the late Herbert and Amanda (Kammeyer) Hartman. Growing up in the Woodburn area, he graduated from Woodburn High School in 1959.

Enlisting in the United States Air Force, he served from 1963 to 1967.

Moving back to the area he located in South Whitley. In addition to working for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier, he owned and operated Hartman's Lawn & Garden, South Whitley, and sold Mormon's Feeds to area farmers. Prior, he had worked as the delivery manager for the Fort Wayne Newspapers.

On October 27, 1989, he married E. René Breckenridge. They have always lived in rural South Whitley and, more recent years spent winters in Mission, TX.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed maintaining his property and found mowing relaxing. In his senior years, he developed an interest in the Fast-Track board and card game. Grandchildren were his joy, and he spent time with them when possible.

He was a member of the St John Lutheran Church, Columbia City, and American Legion Post 253, North Webster.

Surviving is his wife of 32 years, René; three children, Kathy (Galen) Sopher of Leesburg, David (Brenda) Hartman of North Manchester, and Jason Hartman of Indianapolis; step-children, Michael (Melissa) Rodgers of Pierceton, Cheryl Condon of South Whitley, and Theresa (Chris) Grinstead of Fort Wayne; ten grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Chris) Hartman of Cedar Falls, IA and William (Marsha) Hartman of Indianapolis, and a sister Marcia (Richard) Sunderlage of Fort Wayne.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at St John Lutheran Church, 2465 W Keiser Rd, Columbia City. Burial is at the St Peter Cemetery with the Korean War Honor Guard presenting military honors. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, and 1 hour before the service Thursday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to St John Lutheran Church.