ROBERT LYLE HARTNESS

1926 - 2014

ROBERT LYLE HARTNESS McALLEN - Robert Lyle Hartness, 88, passed away on March 27, 2014, at the Alfredo Gonzalez Veterans Home in McAllen, TX. He was born February 14, 1926, to Raymond Allison and Cleo Jennings Hartness in Weslaco, TX. His lifetime interest in agriculture began by selling produce from the family farm out of a wagon he pulled around Weslaco. In 1942, the family moved to Pharr, TX, where his father owned a packing shed. After Robert graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in 1944, he served in the Army Air Corps. In 1945 in Wichita Falls, TX, he married Marianne Golightly, his high school sweetheart. After being honorably discharged from the service, he received an Associate Degree from Draughon's Business College in Wichita Falls. Returning to the Valley, Robert worked in agriculture for Bonita Fruit Co. in Weslaco, TX, owned by Valsing, until the severe freezes of 1949 and 1951. In 1951 he joined the John E. Jancik Produce Co. and later became co-owner in Jancik and Hartness Produce, Inc. in Pharr. While associated with the firm, Robert developed an onion drying system that attracted national attention in the industry and was cited in "The Packer", a trade publication on March 25, 1967. During those years he was a member of the Texas Citrus and Vegetable Association, serving as director of the executive committee as well as chairman of many other committees. He also was a member of the McAllen Board of Realtors, Texas and National Association of Realtors, Master Senior Appraisers, as well as the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. For several years, Robert served as a director of the Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT). He was never happier than when he and his wife were deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. He delighted in catching large fish with light spinning rods and line while Marianne skippered the boat. In 1979 during TIFT, he received the award for the largest ling and in 1982 the award for the largest white marlin. He and his wife enjoyed hunting together over the years, and gardening was a favorite of both. In later years he created Bonsai trees from native Valley trees such as: mesquite, ebony, and la coma. Barbequing for family and friends was a favorite pastime. Robert is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marianne Golightly Hartness; daughters, Karen Janak (John Sr.) of Austin, Robin Cramer (David) of McAllen; grandchildren, Kevin Janak of Rockwall, TX, Courtney Janak Tan (Ju Meng) of Santa Fe, NM, Chris Janak (Simone) of Oakland, CA, John Janak, Jr. (Lecya) of McKinney, TX, Carey Cramer of Portland, OR, and Marissa Cramer of Los Angeles, CA; great granddaughters, Siena Tan and Iris Janak; and great grandson, Trevor Janak. He is preceded in death by parents, Ray A. Hartness and Cleo Jennings Hartness; and sister, Lou Hartness. The family wishes to thank the staff of Alfredo Gonzalez Veterans Home and Gracia Hospice for their devotion to and care of Robert. Memorials donations can be made to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund (PO Box 2885, McAllen, TX 78504), or a charity of your choice. Robert chose cremation. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2014, in the Social Room at First United Methodist Church (4200 N. McColl Rd., McAllen) with Reverend Robert A. Perales officiating followed by a reception. kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries