Gartman, Thomas Lee      h/Lois A (?) Porter, Patricia (?) Strausburg, Genie(Doubenmier)

Death: 2017,  05/29               Age: 75                 Lot:   1083 F

Thomas Lee Gartman

Thomas Lee Gartman, 75, of Hutchinson, died Monday, May 29, 2017, at Via Christi on St. Francis Campus, Wichita. His death followed a brave and determined struggle to survive and continue to be with his wife, Lois.

Tom was born in Austin, TX, on October 30, 1941, the firstborn child of Thomas B. and Mattie Lee Gartman. Tom’s father was a heavy industry carpenter in the oil refining industry. He worked long and hard in a very dangerous environment. Young Tom described his parents as the best people in the world; a loving, diligent father who loved sweet Mattie Lee and his four children.

The family lived and worked in Corpus Christi, TX, during Tom’s elementary and high school years. Tom worked while attending high school and college, leaving school to join the United States Air Force. Tom specialized in radio and communications, serving in Viet Nam, Formosa, Norway, and various bases in the United States during his 13 years of service.

Tom was a 38-year proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Throughout his life, Tom quoted the steps of AA and credited the organization with the success of his entire life after he gained sobriety with the help of their members.

Tom’s first marriage was to Genie . He and Genie were married for 22 years until her death. His second marriage was to Patricia Strausburg of Hutchinson. Pat was a widow with a large family and had worked in the aircraft industry and then later became a registered nurse. Pat was a skilled quilter with quilting friends from all over the world. They were happily married for five years until her death in July 2014. In January 2016, Tom met Lois Porter and it was “meant to be” from the start. They married on October 1, 2016. Throughout the eight months of their marriage, Tom and Lois were constantly together, enjoying family and home. During these months, Tom suffered many days of illness and struggle, but was constant in his love and enjoyment of marriage. Tom’s death was a triumph over suffering, as his life was a loving and caring gift for the people he loved. Lois survives.

A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with Pastor Wayne Pittman presiding. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.