David Joe Hartley, 68, of Covington, Ind., passed away Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, after a long illness.
He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and his sister Christine’s “best bud.” He was always there when you needed someone in your corner.
David was born Jan. 27, 1941, in Danville, Ill., to Kenneth and Geraldine Clayton Hartley. He married Linda Jeanne Clark on March 3, 1963.
He attended Trinity Lutheran School and Danville High School.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Linda; children, Tammy Jo Schackmann and David J.W. Hartley; and grandsons, Joshua Caleb and Adam Miles Schackmann.
Other survivors include sisters, Sally Turner and Christine (Dan) Rigdon; sisters-in-law, Joyce Freeman and Suzanne (Dewey) Zumwalt; nephews, Lonnie (Debbie) Freeman and Marty (Karla) Zumwalt; nieces, Debra Satterfield and Katie (Jeff) Mikel; great-nephews, Jon (Melanie) Satterfield and Joel Freeman; great-nieces, Shannon and Melissa Satterfield, Brooke and Taylor Freeman; great-great-nieces and nephews, Rahlund, Chyna, Austin, Abby, Jackie and Saylor. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roland and Kenneth Jr. Hartley; his nephews, Scott Zumwalt, Larry Freeman, and Layne Freeman; and a niece, Jodi Lynn Zumwalt.
David worked at Eureka Printing, C&EI; Railroad and was a 30-plus year member of former 293 and Local 157 Plumbers and Steamfitters, of which he was very proud.
He also worked for Frank J. Strahl & Sons, and was one of the founders of Venture Mechanical, where he worked until his retirement.
Dave was respected by those he worked with and who he worked for, including many of the factories and industries around Danville. He believed in doing a job the right way.
He was a generous and loving spirit.
He helped family, friends and strangers alike. David was a true fighter who never backed down and fought his cancer to the end. He loved exotic plants in the yard, fish ponds and animals.
He was a lifelong Democrat and loyal union member. He and Linda enjoyed his 10 years of retirement wandering the back roads of Indiana and dining out.
Per his wishes, David was cremated and a celebration of his life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 E. Main St., Danville. A visitation will be noon until 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.
