Lonald David “Lonnie” Hartwell went into the loving arms of his maker on Monday afternoon, November 5, 2018, following a brief illness at the age of 77. He requested an absentee ballot prior to surgery, so he could vote in the election of November 6, 2018. It was hand delivered by his wife of 20 years, Susan F Hartwell when she voted early. He worked for the US Postal Service in Gainesville, Florida and Jacksonville, Florida. He also taught at the William F Bolger Management Academy for the postal service in Potomac, Maryland, a position that brought him many pleasant memories, including its proximity to Washington DC. Lonnie was a volunteer for the Friends of the Alachua County Public Library and served as President for the Friends of the Library for one year. He was also a volunteer usher and later served as part of the head usher corps at the Center for the Performing Arts in Gainesville. He and Susan were members of the SW United Methodist Church in Gainesville and the Harn Museum of Art. The most important part of his life was his family and gathering to celebrate with them. His first wife, Kathleen Hendrix Hartwell, his father Howard C. Hartwell and his mother Veda Mae Fry preceded him in death. Left with loving memories of Lonnie are his second wife, Susan Frances Kotarski Hartwell, his sister Bev (Fred) Latsko, his sons David (Libby) Hartwell and Chris (Brenda) Hartwell. Grandchildren include: Katie (Tim) Robinson, Marti (Blaine) Roberson and Copelan Hartwell, as well as great grandchildren: Hendrix and Harlynn Robinson, Rylee and Reece Roberson. Stepchildren: Wendy Worden and Erin (Rob) Kielb, and step grandchildren, Jackson, Campbell and Lucas Kielb. The family and friends are gathering for a private remembrance of this kind and wonderful man. For those who wish to honor Lonnie, a contribution in his name could be made to the Sierra Club, an organization he supported.
