Raymond Henry Hartman, of Belle, formerly of O'Fallon, was born on January 14, 1919, at Freeburg, a son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Haller) Hartman and departed this life at 10:05 a.m., Friday morning, May 27, 2016, in the St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City. Mr. Hartman had attained the age of 97 years, 4 months, and 13 days.

Mr. Hartman was united in marriage on December 28, 1948, at St. Louis, to Thelma Lea Basham, Mrs. Hartman preceded her husband in death on June 27, 1995. In addition to his wife, Mr. Hartman was preceded in death by his father Stephen on November 10, 1955; his mother, Elizabeth on October 22, 1965; three brothers, Frank Hartman on July 6, 1958; Alphonse Hartman; and Cornelius "Coly" Hartman on June 23, 2001; and three sisters, an infant on January 11, 1930; Rosalyn Haid on November 18, 1991 and Odelia "Tillie" Lauberth on February 18, 2011.

Mr. Hartman was a WWII United States Army veteran. He was a prisoner of war and a recipient of the Purple Heart Award. Mr. Hartman was baptized on January 16, 1919 and was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church, O'Fallon and had attended the St. Alexander's Parish in Belle for the past several years.

Mr. Hartman had worked in housing and concrete construction in the St. Louis area as an equipment operator and laborer retiring in 1984. He enjoyed walking, playing pool and Bingo.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Hartman include: his sister, Alice Schwab, Belle; nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.