Philip Pearce Hartzler

Philip Pearce Hartzler, age 93, of Urbana, passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015. Philip was born to the late Ralph & Helen (Detwiler) Hartzler on September 29, 1922 in West Liberty, Ohio. He was a 1941 graduate of West Liberty High School, and later attended the University of Idaho. Two days before being drafted he joined the Army Air Corps so that he would be able to fly. He became a flight instructor and had a special love for the P51 Mustang. Following the death of his sister in December, 2013, his niece Anita Kluska returned his wings to him. While stationed in Tucson, AR he met Pearl Edie Elson whom he married on March 29, 1946 until her death in 2004. He was employed for the majority of his working life by DAB Industries in Bellefontaine, OH, retiring as plant manager in 1984. During his retirement he spent many years as a volunteer in the Mercy Memorial Hospital pharmacy. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Urbana. Phil could master almost any skill, many of which others were not aware. He was a draftsman creating meticulous architectural drawings, an excellent cook who could compete with Martha Stewart for the perfect pie. He even tried a short stint as a sheriffs deputy in Logan County. When the family moved to Urbana, he built their home and also constructed the family's boat and helped his neighbor & friend, Earl Bennett, build a hydroplane. He could braid rugs, sew & tailor. He farmed, could shear sheep and cut and style his children's hair. He loved golfing and bike riding and even got to experience a "hole-in-one". He was constantly reading the latest novel, and keeping in touch with others with FaceTime, Facebook & emails. He often rode his bike to Springfield and back well into his eighties. He was known by family and friends for his high expectations of others and his quick wit, both which remained until his last days. He was a Mason, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Urbana, a supporter of the Simon Kenton Bike Path and a regular at the Champaign County Library. He was preceeded by his parents, wife and sister, Phyllis Kluska and special companion, Mary Nesbit. He will be sadly missed by his children: sons Philip John and Barbara of McKinney, TX, and Bradford Lane and Deborah of Leawood, KS, daughters, Karen Sue and Jeffrey White, Urbana, and Susan Gwen Hartzler of Mililani, HI. Grandchildren, Gwen (Steve) May, San Anselmo, CA, Melissa Hartzler, Dallas, TX, Lance (Julie) White, Urbana, Megan Hartzler and Drew Hartzler, Leawood, KS, great-grandchildren Alex and Ellie May and Frances and Reagan White, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dean and Lois Elson, San Antonio, TX, several cousins, nieces and nephews. The family deeply appreciates the love & support from all of his friends and family, the caring doctors, nurses and staff members at Hearth & Home, the Wound Center in Urbana. Per his request, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana (116 W Court St. Urbana, OH 43078) or The Simon Kenton Pathfinders (PO Box 91 Urbana, OH 43078) in his honor. Arrangements are in the care of WALTER & STOWE FUNERAL HOME, Urbana. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.