Woodrow Wilson Hartman
Woodrow Wilson Hartman, 107, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
Born on Smith Creek November 17, 1916, he was the son of the late Henry Albert Hartman and Minnie Moyers Hartman Hottinger.
Mr. Hartman, like many in Great Depression-era rural America, completed his formal education through the eighth grade, attended one-room schoolhouses in Goshen and Zigler, WV. Following his schooling, he dedicated himself to the beloved family farm, a cherished part of his life. In addition to farming, the many jobs of his early life included cutting firewood for Ernest and Tom Bowman, trapping and selling furs, and driving a school bus.
On December 18, 1943, he married his wife, Alice Branson Hartman of Lost River, who preceded him in death. Along with his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William “Bill” Hartman, of Franklin, an infant son, James, siblings, Orlando Hartman of Scott Depot, and Alda Hartman of Franklin, and a daughter-in-law, Carole Hartman of Franklin.
In 1953, Mr. Hartman opened Hartman Furniture Store in Franklin with his wife, where they expanded their offerings over the years to include televisions, carpet, and appliances. One of the original cable television pioneers, he brought cable TV to Franklin in 1957, making it the second community in the state to boast the new technology, even before it was available in places like Harrisonburg, VA. He sold the cable business in 1988 but continued to operate the furniture store until 2009. He served as a well-known fixture on Main Street for 56 years, retiring at the age of 92 to care for his wife.
Mr. Hartman was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, where he served as an elder and was president of the Franklin branch for 12 years.
In addition to his affable nature and easy smile, Mr. Hartman was well known for his love of gardening and entertaining friends and family with stories of the old days. The blooming of a thousand tulips in his Dogwood Lane yard each spring will be a beautiful reminder of this special man’s legacy.
Mr. Hartman is survived by his daughter Bonnie Mitchell (Roger) of Upper Tract, a granddaughter, Heidi Hartman (Jon Diaz) of Charlotte, NC, two nephews, Todd Hartman and Hugh Hartman (Anita) of Franklin, and two nieces, Deborah Hanna of Scott Depot and Cheryl Null of Winfield.
Friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, March 29 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 30 at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Franklin, followed by interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Todd Hartman, Hugh Hartman, Adam Hott, Richard Lough, Tony Judy and Roy Midkiff will serve as his pallbearers.
The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the staff of Pendleton Manor for their compassionate and loving care during Mr. Hartman’s final months.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pendleton Manor, P. O. Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.
