"Lit a candle in memory of David Alexander Hartman"
In loving memory of
David Alexander Hartman
July 12, 1936 - November 24, 2015
David Alexander Hartman, age 79, passed away in Austin, Texas on November 24, 2015 after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was raised in Monroe, Connecticut by his parents, Alexander and Helene Morse Hartman who predeceased him. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Claudette; son Duane Hartman and wife Jennifer, of Woodstock, GA, and grandson David Hartman and wife Kristin and great-granddaughter Madison, of Smyrna, GA; daughter Diana Hartman of San Antonio, TX; and son Douglas Hartman and wife JulieAnn, and grandsons Benjamin, Samuel, Alexander, and Thomas, of Austin, TX. Surviving siblings include Phyllis Stock Morton of New York City, NY; Allyn Rule of Hopkinton, MA, John and wife Jill Hartman of Overland Park, KA; Wayne and wife Paula Hartman of Austin, TX; and brother-in-law Fred Harder and wife Virginia, of Azle, TX. Sister, Sandra Hartman predeceased him.
Dave played football and baseball in high school and worked his way through college by academic scholarships and part-time work. He holds a BS Degree cum laude from Case Western Reserve University, and an MBA with distinction from Harvard University. During his earlier corporate experience, he worked in product and process development, market and economic research, strategic planning and plant management, culminating in becoming Manufacturing and Development Director of Mobil Chemicals, Ltd.s Polymer Division with a seat on the Board of Directors at 29 years of age. Leaving the big corporation life behind, he launched a long and successful career as a CEO for entrepreneurial ventures beginning with the purchase of a failing extrusion plastics business in Elkhart, IN. After turning it around, expanding it manifold, and making it a solidly profitable business, he sold Industrial Plastics Corporation and moved to El Paso, TX where, with his brother John, he built one of the largest US mail trucking companies in the country, Hartco, Inc. The opportunity to purchase, with his brothers John and Wayne, the failing Guaranty National Bank in1988 brought Dave and Claudette to Austin, TX. It was renamed Hartland Bank and grew more than tenfold in size under his leadership. With the sale of Hartland Bank in 1999 to BBVA Compass, he was able to devote his attention to his real passion, public policy, most particularly the economics of taxation, financial markets, welfare, and education at the state and national level. David was an enlightened capitalist who extended health insurance, tuition reimbursement, performance bonuses, and retirement plans to all employees of his businesses. When he sold a business it was his practice to share the proceeds with his employees.
With a strong desire to give back to the community, Dave and his brothers along with son, Doug, established the Hartman Foundation, through which they made major contributions to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, endowing the Hartman Concerts in the Park; the Long Center; Zilker Botanical Gardens, developing the Hartman Prehistoric Garden; the Co-op program at Case Western Reserve; the Alzheimers Research Project at Wake Forest University Medical School; and a scholarship program for prospective teachers.
He has been published by the Lone Star Report, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Institute for Policy Innovation, Chronicles, the Family in America, and Tax Notes. He has presented numerous papers to conferences around the world including World Congress of Families I-III and the Family Research Council on Economics of the Family; also, Heritage Foundation, Texas Public Policy Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Americans for Prosperity, and the Rockford Institute. He served Texas as Chairman of two Subcommittees of the 1986 Special Committee on Organization of State Agencies, under appointment by Governor William Clements. He was on the boards of the Rockford Institute, The Associated Republicans of Texas, the Austin Club, and many other civic and charitable organizations.
Dave Hartman loved turning around failed businesses, supporting conservative politics, winning golf bets with his buddies at Barton Creek Country Club, traveling with Claudette, and playing with his grandkids. A memorial service and celebration of Daves life will be held at Harrell Funeral Home on Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, P.O. Box 571021, Winston Salem, NC 27104 or for online contributions, https://www.wakehealth.edu/Giving/Donate-Now.htm?fgid=8350=Aging=84583=Alzheimers%20Research%20Initiatives=2988
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of David Alexander Hartman"
"David Hartman was a true philanthropist, and was always exciting to work with. He once told me that, to him, giving his money to good causes was one of the most satisfying things he had done in his life. I have met very few people in my life with such a strong desire to help make Austin a better city, or someone who was more deeply pleased by doing it. Every time I hear the Austin Symphony, I remember David and all he has done for Austin. My deepest sympathy goes to Claudette and the rest of his family, whom I know will miss him. Dr. Craig Nazor"
"I just learned of Dave's death. Dave was a brilliant businessman, a a wonderful family man and a great American. He and Claudette have been two of my favorite people since I first met them when they moved Austin. The entire Hartman family are in my prayers and in my heart. I love all of you. Vicki Frenk"
"I am sad to learn of Mr. Hartman's death. I met him at events for the Rockford Imstitute and admired him. He was a fine man. Jack McGaughey, Nocona, Texas"
"We are so very sorry for your loss. To say we know how you feel is an understatement - grief is so personal, there is no way to share your pain. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here for you if you need us. Our love to you and your family, Jeani & John Smith, III"
"We are so sad to hear of David's passing. David left Austin with a wonderful legacy the development of the Hartman Prehistoric Garden at Zilker Botanical Garden. A major grant from the Hartman Foundation funded the development of a Cretaceous- period dinosaur habitat. Thanks to the generosity of David and Claudette Hartman, thousands of families have enjoyed walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs that lived in Austin 100 million years ago. We celebrate Davids life! Marion Alsup and members of the Austin Area Garden Center"
"We are saddened to hear the news. I had the opportunity to work for Mr. Hartman at the bank and that is one of my good memories. I enjoyed listening to his career story. He was a generous man who was good to his employees. He made an impact on so many lives and will be remembered."
"I am so sorry to hear this news. I worked for David at Hartland Bank as their Auditor and Compliance Officer and would report to him and the Board each month. Once he had told me as I was leaving the Board meeting after completing my report that "Maggie, if you want to be loved, buy a puppy" I replied, "Mr. Hartman I have three and I am very loved!!!" He will be missed but he will always be my heart as one of the persons that had a real impact on my life. I will be always grateful. Maggie Graham"
"Our deepest sympathies to the entire Hartman family on the passing of David Hartman. He was a friend to many, and a mentor to all who came in contact with him. Best wishes to you all. Tim & Angie Harris"
"We are very sorry to hear of David's passing. Jacque , my brother Bill, and I will keep you all in our prayers. We had many happy times playing golf together especially at Horseshoe Bay. Bob Skov"
"Dear Claudette and Family, We were so saddened to learn of David's passing, and send much love and prayers to you all. His support of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and that of the Hartman Foundation inspired others to do the same, making Austin a welcome home for the best in the arts. We celebrate his wonderful life and hope you can find solace in knowing how much he meant to us all. Sincerely, Peter Bay and Mela Dailey"
"Thanks to David, "Mr.Hartman", for providing me a great opportunity. My times at Hartland Bank were the best in my career. David's passion about business, golf, politics and family provided a great example. Thanks to David for great riverboat rides, Christmas parties and loan committees with laughter (who remembers David's Harley joke). Very special 5 years. Thanks to Mr. Hartman for those times and for his generosity. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family. He will be missed. Paul Miller"
"I'm very sorry to here of Dave's passing. He was a dear friend, and fierce competitor on and off the golf course. Please accept Irene's and my condolences. We will pray for the Family in this time of grief. Rob Riviere"
"I always loved playing golf with David; I especially remember when our Barton Creek team qualified and went to Pinehurst to compete. We had great weather and a great week of golf and ended up placing second. It seemed like David made putt after putt for the team. David was a great friend, Sue and I will miss him. Lester and Sue Sprouse"
"Tribute to Dave from Jennifer: An Angel Whispered "Take my hand come with me, your work here is done". You went to a place where there are no tears, nor sorrow, only laughter and smiles, there will always be a tomorrow. You are not alone, all who went before are with you, they awaited your return. I will grieve and wish you were still here, you are in my memories as I hold you dear. Remember how much I love you, and know I will forever have your love with me, you do not wish for us to feel sad, as I know your pain is gone and you are free. Soon I will come to you, but until then God be with you, Just as he is with me. You will be greatly missed and forever in my heart!"