Eugene Wilson "Gene" Hartman, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Franklin on Thursday, October 14, 2021.

He was born in Zigler, WV on March 23, 1932, to the late Elmer and Shirley Hartman.

Gene graduated from Franklin High School in 1950, and then later from the General Motors Mechanics School in Flint, Michigan.  He served his country for three years in the United States Army Signal Corps in Alaska before Alaska became the 49 ^th state in the United States.

On November 7, 1953, he married Wanda Mae Hevener who preceded him in death on November 16, 1961.

Three children were born from this marriage:

Terry Lea Hartman Carpenter (husband, Bill) of Morgantown, WV

Michael Eugene Hartman, deceased (widow, Kathy Hurley) of Thurmont, MD

Jason Andrew Hartman (wife, Christy Joy Brodrick) of Roanoke, VA

On January 17, 1963, he married Mary Magdalene "Maggie" Judy, daughter of the late Kyle and Mary Judy.

From this marriage a daughter was born:

Marsha Gail Hartman Layton (husband, Bill) of Upper Tract, WV

In addition to his beloved wife, Maggie, and his three living children, Gene is survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Also left to cherish his memory are –

His brother –

Wayne Hartman (Helen) of Cheshire, CT

And his sisters –

Pat Hartman Sheehan (John) of Germantown, MD

Judy Hartman Ratcliffe (Robert) of Columbus, NC

Jo Ann Hartman Harrington of Fargo, ND

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Hartman Cannon, of Fairfax, VA

and is survived by her husband, Hugh, of NC.

Gene took great delight in his children, grandchildren and extended family.  For many years, he and Maggie hosted an annual family get-together at their home during the weekend of Treasure Mountain Festival.  Gene was the head hamburger cook and official photographer of these gatherings.

Gene will be remembered for his strength of character, his honesty, his devotion to his church and family, and his perfectionism in all that he did.  The quality of his work is well known, and his reputation as an expert auto mechanic is without equal.  Gene could often diagnose a vehicle's problem simply by listening to the vehicle, and often did so by listening to the owner's description of the vehicle's symptoms.

He was an active member of the Franklin Presbyterian Church, where he served as both a deacon and as an elder, and he served the church in a number of other capacities.

He was a stalwart friend who quietly helped many in need, expecting nothing in return.  Gene was a man of many talents who loved music and enjoyed woodworking as a hobby.  He welcomed every snowfall because it gave him an opportunity to use his snow blower to clear his neighbors' driveways.

He was a great lover of all animals, and when any small animal such as a chipmunk, bird or squirrel found its way into his house or garage, he would make every effort to catch the little creature and release it outdoors unharmed.  He especially loved cats, and he will be terribly missed by his faithful cat "Sam" who rarely left Gene's side, and who was especially attentive during Gene's final illness.

Friends will be received from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Kimble Funeral Home, 80 South Main Street, Franklin, where a funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 17 at 2:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Leon Hevener officiating.

Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.kimblefuneralhome.com or sent to P. O. Box 398, Franklin, WV  26807.

Memorial donations in Gene's memory may be made to the Franklin Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 486, Franklin, WV  26807.