Lex Andrew Hartline

Lex Andrew Hartline, 67, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away on September 22, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, with his wife and son at his side. Born in Millersburg, Ohio, on December 8, 1957, to Richard and Norma Hartline, Lex grew up in a lively home with his brothers Mark and Kirk. He spent his early years learning responsibility at the family funeral home, but also found plenty of time for mischief, laughter and adventure with his brothers by his side.

Lex graduated from West Holmes High School in 1976 and went on to Ohio Wesleyan University, where he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity and earned his degree with the Class of 1980. He built a successful career in accounting and business, but for Lex, true achievement was never measured in titles or numbers. What mattered most were family, friendships and the joy he found in creating a full and generous life.

In 1986, Lex married Carmela Ann Lent, with whom he shared countless memories including Christmases with fraternity friends and their families, long summers of youth travel baseball, fireworks in the backyard with neighbors, the Little Brown Jug horse race, Ohio State football tailgates and cheering on the Bengals and Reds. Together they built a home filled with loyalty, humor and love, raising their son Luke and later welcoming their daughter-in-law Kate (Huter) Hartline.

This past June, Lex's world changed forever when he became "Grandpa" to Reagan Elizabeth Hartline. The first time he held her, every trace of his old-school toughness melted into pure tenderness, and the joy radiating from him made it clear that being her grandfather was not only his greatest role but also the one that gave him the deepest sense of peace and pride.

Lex was a man of sharp wit and strong opinions, unafraid to do things his own way. Evenings often included a dry vodka martini, a good glass of red wine at dinner and Fox News playing in the background. He enjoyed the occasional cigar and oysters on the half shell, most often in the company of friends, especially his longtime best friend, Gary Fiorucci. He was also a talented cook whose ribs with homemade barbecue sauce became legendary among family, friends and neighbors alike. Whether sitting in his favorite chair in the living room or soaking in the sun of Turks and Caicos, Lex knew how to savor life's simple pleasures.

He is survived by his wife, Carmela of Delaware, Ohio; his son, Luke, and daughter-in-law, Kate of Powell, Ohio; his granddaughter, Reagan; his brother, Mark of Port Clinton, Ohio, and Mark's sons, John and Karl (wife Ankita). He is also survived by his brother, Kirk of Medina, Ohio, his wife Robin, and their daughters, Maddy and Renee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Norma, and his beloved dogs, Barney and Zuko.

Lex's life was defined by authenticity, generosity and a steadfast love for those closest to him. He will be remembered as a husband who cherished his family, a father who showed up, a friend who could always be counted on and a grandfather whose heart was forever transformed by one tiny hand wrapped around his finger. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the laughter he shared and the love he gave without hesitation.

An open house to celebrate Lex's life will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the family home, 4601 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (dogood.t2t.org) or to the Humane Society of Delaware County https://secure.processdonation.org/hsdcohio/Donation.aspx.

Memories and Condolences may be expressed at www.robinsonfuneralhomeinc.com.

The Robinson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hartline Family.