Robert Thomas Hartsell

Robert Thomas Hartsell, 64, Altus, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2015 at his home. Memorial services will be 11:30 AM Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Altus, Oklahoma with Rev. David Player officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home.
Robert Thomas Hartsell was born on August 22, 1951 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Henry F. and Billie Sue (Bryce) Hartsell. He was the second of five children. As a young boy, Robert enjoyed climbing, swimming, art, Boy Scouts and staying on farms with his grandparents and cousin. Being a member of a military family he attended numerous schools and graduated from Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1970. Robert joined the United States Navy in 1974 and completed basic training at Orlando Naval Base, Florida, where he was the Honor Graduate of his class. During his assignment at the Naval Air Technical Center near Memphis, Tennessee, he completed the electricity and electronics school. At Moffitt Naval Air Station, San Jose, California, he was assigned to a P-3 squadron and was often deployed in the P-3 for long temporary duty assignments.
Robert's interests lay in working with vehicles and he prepared for his career immediately after high school, as a mechanic at the Buick dealership in Leavenworth. A few years later, he moved with the service manager to Granby, Colorado, to establish a shop. In 1978, after his service in the Navy, Robert moved to Colorado Springs to become a television technician, where he drafted, designed and installed cable systems. Robert and Deborah Miller were married in 1979 at her parent's house in Colorado Springs. After managing the cable company in Eaton, Colorado, he became an independent cable contractor and also installed satellite systems. As a sideline job, he developed and crafted a home woodworking shop and crafted gifts and toys to sell. In 1996, Robert moved back to Altus to be near his aging parents. Later he managed the Altus Swimming Pool complex for the City of Altus. He maintained and upgraded the facility, always emphasizing safety. During emergencies, he worked closely with the Life Guards and called in police and firefighters when needed. Robert encouraged users of the pool from infants to senior citizens; some called him “Uncle Robert.” He actively supported the Altus School Swimming Team working at all home Meets. Robert attended many out-of-town Meets often driving a van to transport Team members. Robert also supervised the installation of electrical wiring for Christmas in the Park in Altus East Park. Robert had a love for cars and enjoyed guns and hunting. Robert retired at the end of 2008.
Robert is survived by his father, Henry, of Altus, OK; one sister, Donna Fostvedt and husband, Bob, of Colorado Springs, CO; three brothers, Henry F. Hartsell, Jr. and wife, Cheryl, of Edmond, OK, Bill Hartsell and wife, Siobhan, of Chicago, IL, and James Hartsell and wife, Mary, of Las Vegas, NV; nine nephews and nieces: Todd Fostvedt and wife, Donna Jean, of Anacortes, WA, Tracy Fostvedt and wife, Silvia, of Aurora, CO, Betsy Mobley and husband, Jeremy, of Edmond, OK, Caitlin Hartsell of St. Louis, MO, Meghan Hartsell of Chicago, IL, Jenny Hartsell Puckett and husband, Jimmie, of Norman, OK, Alyssa Hartsell of Ann Arbor, MI, Zach Miller of Fort Collins, CO, and Brendan Hartsell of Chicago, IL; seven great-nephews and great-nieces, Justus Fostvedt of Silverado, CA, Faith Fostvedt, Hope Fostvedt and Honor Fostvedt, all of Anacortes, WA; Tyler Fostvedt and Tessa Fostvedt of Aurora, CO, and Thatcher Mobley of Edmond, OK; uncle, Warren "Corky" Bryce and wife, Irma, of Altus, OK; and aunts, Gertha Hartsell Richards of Davidson, NC, Louise Hartsell Carlson of Everett, WA, and Patsy Kilgo and husband, John, of Davidson, NC.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Bryce Hartsell; his aunts and uncles: Thurman Bryce and wife, Opal; Owen Bryce and wife, Mozelle; Eugene Bryce and wife, Katherine; James Bryce; CF Bryce and wife, Juanita; Robinette Tucker; and Christine Hartsell Huneycutt and husband, Norman.