July 19, 2010

Gregory Lane Hartman

The Tribune-Star

ROCKVILLE — ROCKVILLE — After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Greg went to meet his Lord and Savior on July 18, 2010. Greg Hartman of Avon, was born on Dec. 12, 1952, in Vermillion County, to Robert and Phyllis Delp Hartman. He was a loving husband, caring father and doting grandfather.

He married the love of his life, Cindy (Smith) Hartman, who survives, on Feb. 11, 1972. Greg and Cindy were blessed with two children and three grandchildren: Heather (Hartman) Sedletzeck, her husband Tony and their children Benjamin Gregory and Andrew Gene of Terre Haute; and John Hartman and his wife of Dana and their daughter Reese Marie of Indianapolis. Greg also is survived by his mother, Phyllis Hawkins of Rockville; a brother, Dan Martin of Rockville; and his in-laws Gene and Norma Smith of Armiesburg. He is preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

He was a 1970 graduate of Rockville High School, and attended Indiana State University, majoring in accounting. He joined the team at Eli Lilly - Clinton in 1972, and retired in July 2010. Greg had a strong desire to be the best employee he could be. He rarely/if ever missed work and assisted on various teams/special projects as needed throughout his time at Lilly. In 2000, he and Cindy transferred from Clinton Labs to the Indianapolis plant site.

Greg was a member of Harmony Baptist Church in Avon. Greg was a very active person who loved to stay fit; he ran the 500 Festival Mini Marathon numerous times, he biked across Indiana on the RAIN rides, and participated in several stair climbing competitions. He loved fast cars, especially Mustangs. When not spending time with their grandchildren, Greg and Cindy often went to NASCAR races all over the country.

Greg was very devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved to share his faith with anyone he came in contact with. During his illness, when he had to go to the hospital for a procedure, he would seek out other people in waiting rooms, etc. and talk to them about the Lord.  The greatest tribute to this very humble, gentle man was his ability to love unconditionally. Always giving of himself, to anyone in need. Caring for his family and friends was at the core of his life. Life dramatically changed with the birth of his first grandson, Ben, followed by grandson, Drew three years later, and most recently he was blessed with his only granddaughter, Reese.  Pappy, as he was called, spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren, they owned his heart and consumed his time.

A service celebrating Greg’s incredible life will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010, at 11 a.m., at Barnes and Rice Funeral Home, Rockville, with Pastor John Lilly officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Harmony Baptist Church, 5693 Broyles Road, Avon, and from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Barnes and Rice Funeral Home, 111 East High Street, Rockville. Burial will be at Poplar Grove Cemetery, Marshall, Ind.