Lawrence F. “Hezzie” Hartman, 79, of Seneca, KS, died March 16, 2002 on his farm north of Seneca.

He was born was born April 11, 1922, on the family homestead north of Seneca, the son of Theodore and Mae Whaley Hartman. He grew upon the farm, went to the Union Grade School near his home and graduated from Seneca Public High School in 1940. He farmed until October 20, 1942, when he was inducted into the U.S. Army at Ft. Leavenworth, KS.

He was a sergeant in the 382nd Infantry Regiment where he served as an automatic rifleman. He served in the Pacific Theater in southern Philippines and in the liberation army. He was wounded on Leyte Island and on Okinawa and received the Purple Heart among several other decorations and citations. He was discharged February 28, 1946, and returned to farm at Seneca.

After the service he was also employed at Koelzer Lumber Company in Bern. Later he worked for Roy Ewing Motors in Sabetha as a mechanic for several years. He also worked in constructing watershed dams in the Ulysses, KS area for a short time. He was employed by Chauza Service Station in Du Bois, NE doing mechanic work, and when they sold out, he worked for Klepper Oil in Du Bois.

He was a member of the Chester R. Kerl Post #39 of the American Legion in Du Bois. “Hezzie,” as he was known, collected farm machinery and old cars because he was interested in preserving them.

Survivors include a brother, Harry Hartman of Lubbock, TX and a nephew, Gerald Hartman of Burchard, NE.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Hartman.

Funeral service will be 1 PM Friday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Burial will be in the Du Bois Cemetery, with military honors by the American Legion of Du Bois.

Memorials may be given for Chester R. Kerl Post of the American Legion or the Du Bois Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.