Baptized into the hope of Christ’s Resurrection on 23 May 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was 89 years young and he lived life to the fullest. He is free of cancer and can now join his family and friends in eternal life.Beloved husband and best friend of Barbara (Bobbie) Hartman. Loving father of Catherine Hartman, Suzanne (Dave) Morton and Brian Hartman. Treasured grandfather of Nicole (Raymond) Weston, Meredith (Kyle) Bruno, David Morton & Thomas, Brian & Joseph Hartman. Dear great-grandfather of Emma, Ellie, Carter, Taylor, Colin & Madison. Dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, mentor and friend.
Tom was born and raised in St. Louis. He was a proud graduate St. Louis University High School class of 1948 and Saint Louis University class of 1952. He retired after serving twenty years in the U. S. Air Force flying F-100s where he obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Tom was a brilliant designer and inventor with over 25 patents in his name and some of his inventions used in the Hoover Dam and other notable dams across the country. His creative mind never stopped and he designed valves even in the last months of his life. Hartman Valve Corporation was his life’s work.
His greatest legacy was his love for his family and his tremendous faith. He adored his wife, Bobbie, of almost 68 years. They moved 13 times while he was in the Air Force and made St. Louis their final home in 1960. Tom was an active and devoted parishioner of St. Matthias the Apostle parish for 60 years where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He made his 50th retreat at the White House Jesuit Retreat Center in January of 2019 and he encouraged everyone to experience the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Mark 6:31 “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
Those who knew Tom know what a wonderful man of character and integrity this world has lost, but heaven has gained. People came to him for guidance and he did his best to offer support to those who needed it no matter their circumstance. While Tom will be missed dearly, he has left behind a legacy of perseverance, leadership, love and faith. “Life is for the living” so get to it!
Services: Private Family Mass and interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A Committal Service with Military Honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and a Memorial Mass at St. Matthias the Apostle will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions for retreatant scholarships can be made to the White House Jesuit Retreat, www.whretreat.org, 7400 Christopher Dr. St. Louis, MO 63129.