Marvin Erastus Hartley Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marvin “Sonny” Erastus Hartley Jr., on June 16, 2024, just short of his 85th birthday. Marvin was born to Marvin Erastus Hartley, Sr. and Myrtle Mae Lee Hartley on June 22, 1939, in Big Sandy, Texas. Marvin graduated Gladewater High School in 1956 and attended Kilgore College, before joining the United States Air Force in 1958.

A veteran of the United States Air Force for nearly 28 years, serving his country with honor and dedication, while achieving rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Marvin worked as a life support specialist, on aircraft including the U2 and SR71 “Blackbird”, for top secret military intelligence and covert operations for programs that supported both NASA and CIA missions.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eshter Ohilda Karamanites Hartley, of Big Sandy, TX and his beloved daughters: Laura Schroder, and her husband Paul, of Big Sandy, TX; Jermaine Woollums, and her husband Dave, of Allen, TX; Jennifer Lacy, and her husband John, of Longview, TX; Katherine Robertson and husband Clay of Big Sandy, TX; as well as his grandchildren: Michael Byers, Stephanie Garcia, Dallas Wolf, Austin Wolf, Alec Woollums, Tyler Wolf and Kylee Woollums, Matthew Robertson, Justin Robertson and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Marvin Hartley; his three sisters Rosemary Hewitt, Ann Blackshear, and Betty Newell; and his son Michael Wayne Hartley. 

Marvin was a deeply beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. Despite his long battle with Alzheimer’s dementia, Marvin never lost his sense of humor or love for his family. He had a great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be greatly missed. Marvin found great joy in sitting outside in his swing, eating ice cream, tending to his cows and vegetable garden, wine making, dancing, karaoke, fishing and hunting. If you knew Marvin, you knew he was the most honest, fair and trusted man. His word was his bond and he sacrificed his life for others.