Charles E. Hartman

Charles E. Hartman, 93 formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 3, 2014 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Dr. Philip Quardokus officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Friends may visit from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church. Those wishing to sign Charles’ Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Charles was born October 3, 1920 in Benton Harbor to Raymond & Beatrice (Kelly) Hartman. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1939. On December 7, 1963 he married the former Evelyn K. Ellsworth Closson in Benton Harbor. Charles was employed as a tool and die maker with Victor Tool in St. Joseph, and retired from Weil-McLain in Benton Harbor after seventeen years in 1982. In his spare time Charles enjoyed bowling—a 300 game to his credit, small game hunting, traveling, reading Western novels & watching Westerns on TV, and spending time with family and friends. Charles was a former member of the St. Joseph Elks Lodge #541. Charles is survived by four sons-Stephen (Brenda) Hartman of Eau Claire, Charles ”Bob” (Jeanne) Hartman of Stevensville, Jack (Nancy) Closson of Costa Mesa, CA, Tom (Linda) Closson of Stevensville; his daughter-in-law Sandy Closson of Benton Harbor; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn on October 12, 2011, his son David Closson in 2012, and infant daughter Judy Jan Hartman, siblings-Virginia Polstin & Ray Hartman, and his former wife Barbara Hartman Bartels.