Ernest F. Hartmann

Born in New York City, NY on June 3, 1922, Ernest (Ernie) Fredrick Hartmann passed from his loved ones on Earth to his loved ones and God in Heaven on August 17, 2014. The son of Anna Bohn Hartmann and Ernest Hartmann, Ernie had a wonderful childhood growing up in the Bronx with the sisters and brothers he loved so much, Anna, Robert, Eleanor, Grace, and Dorothy. His parents and siblings called him “Sonny” his entire life, early friends called him “Hutch” or “Hardy”, but the nickname “Ernie” stuck for his entire life.

Ernie was a stand-out high school athlete at James T. Monroe High School where he earned New York Hall of Fame Honors for baseball. He was offered a professional baseball contract with the New York Giants but instead chose an aviation career.

Ernie joined the Army-Air Corps in 1942 and soon after became a flight instructor stationed in Greenwood, Mississippi. During a weekend break to Memphis, Tennessee, he was smitten by a beautiful young woman, Rebecca June Gilbert, who became the love of his life and mother of their 5 children, Peggy, Bobby, Donna, Eddy, and Michael. Ernie and June married on November 19, 1944 and would have joyfully celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.

Ernie was one of the Greatest Generation. He was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and served during World War II, the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star and also received numerous commendations for his outstanding leadership and service to his country. After 30 years he retired from the Air Force. He later retired from Eastern Airlines.

A devoted husband and father whose children cherished his love, support, inspiration, and countless ways he shaped their lives. He, along with his beloved June, was devoted to his family’s happiness and well-being. Ernie’s family knows how blessed their lives have been by the example he set as a father, husband, leader, friend, and believer in God. He taught his children to live by high standards and to always strive to be the best they can be. He exemplified what is truly important in life—family, integrity, faith, and strong values.

Everyone who knew Ernie admired his strength, personal discipline, and great sense of humor. He had a light-hearted side and warm smile and had a comedic wit.

He encouraged all of his children to be well-rounded, to appreciate culture, travel, and the experiences the world has to offer. Ernie believed so strongly in education that at age 44 he graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1966 after 20+ years of working to complete his college education through night courses. Even after 12 Air Force transfers he never gave up pursuing his degree. Upon receiving his diploma he declared how proud he was to have four of his five children and his wife witness his achievement.

He is predeceased by his son Eddy, brother Robert, and sister Anna.

He is survived by his loving wife June; his children Peggy Ellis (Mike), Bob (Martha), Donna Davenport (Bob), Eddy’s widow Joann, and Michael (Lori); 12 grandchildren and 14 great grand-children.

Ernie will be held in all of his family’s and friend’s hearts for all time. Now he has his Angel Wings and will watch over all of those he loved from Heaven above.

Memories of Ernie may be shared on www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to the Wounded Warriors Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.