Howard Hartman

He began his musical career when he was 14. He was an entertainer in special services while serving in the U.S. Army. He was under contract with MGM acted in several films. Returning to Houston his television career began when he was a ‘booth announcer” at KPRC TV where he eventually co-starred in in the tv production “The Guys Next Door”. Howard performed the Aria “Camina Buana” with maestro Conductor Leopold Stokowsky for The Houston Symphony where he received rave reviews for his Basso Purfundo performance. For many years, he performed The National Anthem at every performance of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and other sports venues. He was the lead soloist at both Trinity Episcopal Church and Temple Emanuel.

In the mid sixties Howard and his family moved to New York where he performed at the Texas Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and was cast in the short lived David Suskind Broadway production “Kelly” which starred actress, singer Rita Marino. When he moved back to Houston he sang at many Houston weddings and for 20 years was a well known presence at The Great Caruso. He also enjoyed portraying Santa Clause in the Foley’s Thanksgiving Parade on occasion. He is remembered for playing the role of Emil Debeque in the classic production “South Pacific” at theaters throughout the United States. While performing at Theater Under The Stars his rendition of “This Nearly Was Mine” moved audiences.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Annie Hartman. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Tommie Hartman and two daughters Terri Footnick (Al) and Lisa Black (Clint) and extended family Pam Painter Merchant (Len), Patti Castle and Paul Dolan (Natalie). He was grandfather to 9 grandchildren and great grandfather to 3. He will be sorely missed by his family.

A Memorial Service will be Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 2:00 PM in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024.