Norman Lee Hartman, 86

Funeral services for Norman Lee Hartman, 86, of Gainesville, were held Jan. 20, 2024, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville. Burial was at Souder Cemetery with full military honors. 

He was born on March 25, 1937, in Shannon, Illinois. He died Jan. 17.

Norman grew up with four brothers and a sister. He and his brothers ran track in high school. Norman liked to share that he still holds the record for the mile run at 4 minutes and 24 seconds for Shannon High School.  

After graduating, Norman joined the U.S. Navy and served 10 years. Then he went to work for Reynolds Aluminum as a quality control supervisor. 

When he retired in 1992 he moved to Noland Point in Ozark County. Norman loved Ozark County and the people here. 

He spent many hours volunteering. He served on the Board at Lutie School for many years. At the Ozark County Senior Center, he delivered meals to homebound elderly citizens. For over 20 years he prepared and filed taxes for seniors. Norman is a lifetime member of the VFW. At the VFW in Isabella, he has served as Commander and Quartermaster, and he called bingo there for 20 years. For many years he served as Ombudsman for the Gainesville Health Care Center and called bingo and provided cookies for the residents.  

Norman was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  

He married Gerry in 2004 and soon after their grandchildren, Ashely and Isaac, came to live with them. It was a blessing. Norman was a wonderful "Grampa." 

He had such a positive attitude. When anyone asked him how he was, he would reply enthusiastically "Fantastic!" He was a joy to be around.   

Norman is survived by his wife, Gerry Hartman, of Gainesville; his brother, Mike Hartman and wife Cindy of Mendota, Illinois; and his sister Priscilla Hartman and husband Dean of Rockford Illinois; five children, 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Norman was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Edna Hartman and brothers Gary Hartman, James Hartman and Robert Hartman.

Donations in memory of Norman can be made to the Souder Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.