Lee Dale Hartman

LEE DALE HARTMAN, known in Troy as the Whistling Mailman, passed away April 3, 2018 at the Masonic Home in Springfield, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, Viola Swyers Hartman.  Lee was born June 25, 1926 to Earl and Minnie (Ross) Hartman.  His mother passed away when Lee was five years old.  Lee was raised by his father, Earl, with the help of grandparents: Charles and Susan Ross, and Aunt Lottie and Uncle Ralph Young. Later, his father remarried to Mildred Russel Hartman.

Lee is survived by his wife: Vi, and their four girls: Suzi and Kermit Rue, Sandy Wheelock, Cathy and Stephen Pencil and Jane and Phil Pierce; eight grandchildren: Lori Ciminnisi, Jason Rue, Sara Rue, Wendy and Mary Rice, David Herrmann and Amy Welker and Jake Littlejohn; fifteen great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.  Lee was preceded in death by two grandsons: Jeff Rice and Paul Pierce; and one great granddaughter: Samantha Assante.

Lee graduated from Troy High School in 1944, where he played baseball and basketball.  Upon graduation, he joined the US Navy and sailed the South Pacific during World War II.  He married his high school sweetheart, Vi, on August 16, 1947.  Vi’s father, Ralph Swyers, sponsored him to be inducted into the Masonic Lodge, where he attained the 33rd Degree.  He was very active in the Troy community and participated in many civic affairs, including the Red Cross and Kiwanis.  He was a member of the following Fraternal Clubs: Elks, Eagles, Moose, Troy Fish and Game, VFW, American Legion and Am Vets.  Lee was an avid sports enthusiast, played softball, tennis and golf.  Lee and Vi actually spent their honeymoon in Cincinnati attending the Red’s baseball games.  He loved hunting and was a member of Ducks Unlimited.  Lee liked to play cards and had a standing Wednesday night gin game.

Lee was appointed Postmaster by President Lyndon Johnson and managed the Troy Post Office until his retirement.  The Hartman family moved to Minster, OH, where they had a cottage on Lake Loramie, which became a favorite gathering place for friends and family.  Lee stayed involved with Postal affairs through the NAPUS Organization, where he served a term a President.  Lee and Vi enjoyed many conventions and meetings traveling all of the US and Puerto Rico. 

A Memorial Service will be held at a future date when his ashes will be scattered at his beloved Lake Loramie.  Arrangements are being handled by Baird Funeral Home in Troy.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Miami County, P. O. Box 502, Troy, OH 45373 or The Lake Loramie Improvement Association, c/o Fort Loramie Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 368, Fort Loramie, OH 45845.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.