Leo George Hartman

Dec. 23, 1919-Aug. 20, 2011

DANBURY, Nebraska -- Leo George Hartman, age 91, of Danbury, Nebraska passed away Aug. 20, 2011, in North Platte, Nebraska.

Leo was born Dec. 23, 1919, in Goshen Hole, Wyoming to George E. and Mary Odella (Purdey) Hartman. He was one of seven children.

Leo graduated in 1938 from Arnold High School in Arnold, Nebraska. Following graduation, he ran a shoe shop and creamery and later the phone company in Sutherland, Nebraska. In 1945, he purchased the Danbury-Lebanon Telephone Exchange and added the Hagler Telephone Exchange in 1957. He owned and operated this business for 58 years, selling them in 2002. Leo retired a few years later at age 85.

Leo married Mary Fisher. To this union four children where born. On April 28, 1973 Leo married Marjorie Elaine (Sonday) DeMoss in McCook, Nebraska and became father to her five children as well. Leo and Elaine were married 38 years this past April.

Leo was a member of the National Telephone Coop Association, the Nebraska Telephone Association and the McCook Eagles Club. He was also a past member of the McCook Elks Lodge. Leo enjoyed working at the phone company and serving his many clients through the years. He was an avid Husker fan, and his hobbies included fishing, hunting, bowling, gardening, and cutting wood for his fire place.

Leo is survived by his wife Elaine of Danbury, Nebraska, two sons Duane and wife Betty Hartman of Lincoln, Nebraska, Darold and wife Jan DeMoss of Syracuse, Kansas, six daughters Deanna and husband Mike Roye of Oberlin, Kansas, Rhonda and husband Johnny Marley of Temple, Texas, Karen and husband Clyde Hunter of Torrington, Wyoming, Brenda and husband Arleigh Kincaid of Danbury, Nebraska, Deb Daily of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Joanna and husband Ed Heronema of Plainville, Kansas. Also surviving are 24 grandchildren, numerous great grand children, great-great grandchildren and many nieces nephews and extended family.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary, one brother Paul Hartman, five sisters Rachel, Nellie, Tressie, Vera, and Lucille, two sons-in-law Jack Daily and Gary Kilpatrick and four grandchildren.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Jerry Beckenhauer, officiating. Burial will follow in the Lebanon Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice.

Friends may sign his on-line guestbook at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.