David Lewis Hartman Jr.

Born January 20, 1968 in Greeley, Colorado

Died July 7, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas

His family includes his parents, David and Linda Hartman, his sister Jana R. Lynch and her husband Tom, their three sons, David’s nephews, Thomas, Andrew and Adam Lynch, his Aunt Charlotte Moore, Aunt Josephine Hartman, Aunt Agnes V. Peaches Stebbins, and many cousins.

David enjoyed a full life in spite of his ever increasing neurological problems, described as Ovular Pons Cerebral Atrophy. His condition resembled a very slow acting Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was diagnosed at 12 years of age in Beaumont, and his impairments increased over the years until he was bed-ridden.

As a child he enjoyed many camping trips in the Colorado Rockies, usually with his parents and occasionally with his Grandparents, Dean and June Hendricks. He travelled many miles up old mining trails in the mountains. His family moved to Beaumont in 1979 and he resided there until moving to Meridian Care in San Antonio.

David attended BISD schools, graduating with the first four year class at West Brook High. He enjoyed high school social life, going to ball games and dances. He got to participate in many events sponsored by the local MDA chapter, including Christmas parties, racing in his wheelchair and going to MDA camp. Through MDA and one of the highlights of his life, David was recognized as an Honorary Marine Recruiter, acknowledged by the Houston Recruiting District and authorized by the Commandant in a letter to him. This honor was organized by Harley Rush, an MDA volunteer, friend and former Marine.

He got to go to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, sponsored by the West End Lions Club, where the campers have a full camp experience including swimming, archery, arts and crafts and other events. While in high school, David enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol, at one time getting to fly in a single engine plane and had the controls for a few minutes. Another of his interests was a sports club for handicapped people called the Houston Challengers. Events included swimming, track and field and wheelchair soccer. His big trip was to Michigan State University in August 7 to the 14th, 1985, for the Cerebral Palsy/Les Autre Games. The Houston club took home over 30 gold medals. David took a gold in swimming, wheelchair soccer and a few silver and bronze in track events.

A major influence in his life was attendance and participation at Christ Community Church. He believed and had total faith in the Lord. He served the Church as a greeter, welcoming one and all to worship. Most of David’s friends in his young adulthood were in the singles Group at CCC, being part of numerous gatherings, parties and holiday events. We can only express our appreciation to his friends and to Jeff and Kathy Payne for their love and attention.

As he got older, his health issues became more troublesome. Many people helped him over the years including Doctors Denton, Harris, Stout, Benkowitz, SuJin Yu, Hammett, and especially Dr. Craig Charleston, a pain management specialist, who gave of his time and expertise to treat David’s muscle and nerve issues. Numerous professional people helped us with supplies and services, including the staff of ICU at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Beaumont EMS and Acadian Ambulance, the nurses of Harbor Home Health, Spindletop MHMR and Suzy Fairchild, Client Support Services, Walson Medical and PRN Medical. His helpers in our home included Nikietha Limbrick, Octavia James and especially, Mr. Robert Taylor who took care of David on weekends for 10 years.

A celebration of David’s life with a Memorial Service will be on Sunday, September 22, at 4 PM, at Christ Community Church, 415 South 11th Street in Beaumont. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CCC.