Hartley moved to Brownsville, Texas, when he was five and lived there until he left for Texas Christian University. At TCU, he met Barbara Taylor, and they were married two days after graduation. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Hartley completed a master's degree in social work at the University of Tennessee and moved with the family back to Texas to work at the Gatesville State School for Boys and then the Methodist Children's Home in Waco, becoming an important part of several young people's lives.
His work in the state mental health system began at the Community Center in Midland and continued as he organized a new center in Sherman, Texas. In 1975, Hartley's move into the state office of Mental Health Services precipitated the family's move to Georgetown, where deep roots have grown.
Upon retirement from the state system, Hartley worked for the City of Georgetown. During that time, he helped as a volunteer to organize the Bluebonnet Trails Community Center. He served on that board from its inception 24 years ago, on the board of the Texas Council of Community Centers, and as part of the Risk Management Board for centers throughout the state.
In Georgetown, Hartley helped with school bond passage, booster club activities, and countless other community-building efforts. In addition, he served on multiple committees at First United Methodist Church.
Hartley is survived by wife Barbara, sons Stephen (Dawn) and Duane (Betsy), granddaughter Sadie (Dylan) Kleppel, granddaughter Abby Sledge, and sister Dorothy (Jerry) Frost. He is also survived by daughter Esther Patrick (Doyle) Burchett, granddaughter Terrie (Jacob) Carman, grandson Buck (Lexi) Burchett, and four great-grandchildren, as well as Selena de La Garza and her children. He was predeceased by granddaughter Sarah Sappington.
Hartley loved his family, his friends, and his community. He liked books, travel, barbecue, and October in Vermont. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. He spent his life working to improve the lives of others, and he will be missed.
If you wish to donate in Hartley's memory, you might choose one of his favorites: Friends of the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626; or The Caring Place, PO Box 1215, Georgetown, TX 78627. You might also choose to plant bluebonnets - another of his favorites - next fall.
A memorial service for Hartley will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 410 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldendavisfuneralhome.com for the Sappington family.
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