Charles 'Charlie' Hartman

Charles E. 'Charlie ' Hartman, 75, of Collison IL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters.

He was born on November 5, 1943, in Champaign, IL, the son of Ernest and Alberta (Grove) Hartman. He was united in marriage to Ruth Troxell on November 26, 1994. She survives.

Also surviving are his daughters Jessica (Rick) Breitenfeldt, Kristin (Mitch) Allen, Kate(Leon)Jess, and Teresa(Steve)Evans.

Papa's grandchildren loved him to the moon and back. He was always full of life's loving stories for them. He believed children are the heritage of the Lord. He loved Cameron Ackerson, Kaitlyn Breitenfeldt, Colton Breitenfeldt, Lillian Jess, Khloe Jess, Brinley Allen, Steele Allen, Jacob Evans and Joshua Evans.

His surviving siblings are Mary Hafner, Patty Wakefield, Diana Thrush, Rob Hartman, Sue Hartman and Judy Lynn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandsons, Cody Breitenfeldt and Zachery Evans.

Charlie loved Jesus with his whole heart. He was a steadfast man of God.

As a boy he worked tirelessly alongside his dad. He worked as a carpenter, before going on to manage the horse farm at the University of Illinois until retirement in 2002.

Charlie was a gifted horseman and cowboy. His entire life was spent pulling ponies, training, selling, breeding and racing horses. He bred and raced Deckum Larum, who in 1983 set an AQHA world record that still stands today.

He served as Illinois AQHA Racing Association president for ten years. Charlie also enjoyed serving as a trustee for Pilot Township.

Share in our celebration of his life at 11:00am on Saturday, March 30 at Homer New Life Church of Faith, 505 W. Crittenden St, Homer, IL 61849.

Memorials donations may be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family in making arrangements. Please join Charlies family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall and www.sunsetfunealhome.