Ernest Harold Hartmann

Ernest H. Hartmann of Biloxi passed from this life on August 7, 2007, at the age of 84, after a courageous battle against cancer. On March 31, 1923, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ernest was the third of four sons born to Joseph J. and Florence (Peter) Hartmann. The family settled in Biloxi in 1928 and Ernest graduated from Biloxi High School in 1941. Ernest married Margaret Augusta Braun on December 28, 1941, at the First Evangelical and Reformed Church of Biloxi. He was employed by the Biloxi Post Office, rising to the position of supervisor prior to his retiremnt in 1979. He was a faithful and reliable mail carrier, making many friends as he delivered the mail. After retirement, Ernest served for many years on the Board of the Biloxi Post Office Credit Union, acting as president at the onset of his illness. He was a charter board member of the Gulf Coast Family Counseling Center and served as a member of the Back Bay Mission Board of Directors. Mr. Hartmann was active in the First Evangelical and Reformed (UCC) Church of Biloxi until it was dissolved in 1974. He then became an active member of First United Methodist Church of Biloxi. In both congregations, Ernest served as board member, conference delegate, lay-reader, lay-preacher, and dedicated tenor in the choir. Ernest Hartmann was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence Hartmann, brothers Joseph, Charles and Richard Hartmann and nephew, Johnny Hartmann. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret (Braun) Hartmann and his daughters Joy (Jack) Aregood, Diane (Mike) Miller, and Karen (Pete) Capuano, grandchildren, John (Olivia) Aregood, III, Jacqueline (Mark Russo) Aregood, Fred Lusk, III, Scott (Misty) Lusk, Peter Capuano, Jr. and Ellen Capuano. Survivors also include 8 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Charles Braun, sisters-in-law, Janet Braun, Julia, Barbara, and Marion Hartmann and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Services will be held on Friday, August 10, 2007, 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church on Hopkins Blvd. with visitation at the church beginning at 9:30. Burial will be at Southern Memorial Park. Arrangements made by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes, Howard Avenue, Biloxi. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com