MARK JOHNSON HARTLEY

Mark Johnson Hartley, 71, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed peacefully surrounded by family Sunday evening, November 10, 2024.

Mark was born December 30, 1952, in Montgomery County, Ohio to Earl Leonard and Mary Lucille Johnson Hartley.  He was a 1971 graduate of Washington High School.  In his early years he found himself traveling throughout the American West, working in Wyoming, California, Idaho, and Utah, where he met his future wife, Debby, at a party.  “She came with another guy, but she left with me!”

He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and amateur horticulturist.  He enjoyed exploring local farmland and woods of Fayette County with his favorite coon dogs, Lil and Rex. He spent many afternoons on the waters of Rocky Fork Lake, water skiing and fishing with his late wife, Debby, friends and family.

He was a proud union iron worker and member of Local 44 out of Cincinnati Ohio.

As a welder, he helped build such iconic structures as COSI, Flight of Fear at Kings Island and a multitude of bridges throughout Ohio and Kentucky.

Together, Mark and Debby moved to Washington Court House and raised their family there.  Mark was a devoted and outspoken fan of the New York Yankees, Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Trace Panthers.  He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his kids from the sidelines or terrorize the odd referee.  Mark had many friends, from all walks of life, even up to his final days.

He was preceded in death by his wife on July 13, 2005; by his parents and a brother-in-law, Gregory Lynch.

Mark is survived by five children, Aaron Hartley and his wife, Amy, of Blacklick, Ohio; Paula Melchert of Columbus, Lisa Hartley of Columbus, Joanna Hartley and her husband, Andrew Ward, of York, England and Mark Evan Hartley of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Kali (Gideon) Meyer, Lauren Hartley, Dirk Eckle, Nick (Sara) Myers, John Day, Maxwell Ward and Abigail Ward; a brother, David L. Hartley and his wife, Jennifer Ann, of Washington Court House; a sister, Pamela Lynch of Bradenton, FL. and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be held Friday, November 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with the Rev. Steve Brand, pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to request in lieu of flowers to please make donations to Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Avenue, or the Fayette County Dog Shelter, 1550 Robinson Road, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 where he adopted his favorite dog, Maggie.

Thanks also to the Heartland Hospice staff and countless other individuals who have shown support to Mark and family.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com