Robert C. Hartlep, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 5, 2016.
He is survived by his close companion, Lois Johnson of Vero Beach; and daughter-in-law Cathie Hartlep of Tasmania, Australia.
He was pre-deceased by his wife Nell, daughter Janis, and son David. Even without surviving relatives, he was endeared by his many friends who will miss him.
Hartlep was born Oct. 7, 1926, in Marshall, Ind. He had recently moved to Vero Beach but had previously resided in Martin County and St. Lucie County. The family made their move to Florida from Indiana in 1962.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Previously employed with Smiley’s Dairy in Indiantown, Fla., he was retired from the Martin County School District. Simultaneously, he also was a newspaper carrier for the Palm Beach Post and Miami Herald.
Hartlep had been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He was an avid baseball fan in addition to basketball and bowling. He wrote many poems that were enjoyed by his friends. He was a member of Acacia Masonic Lodge and the White City Methodist Men’s group. He carried the 1996 Olympic Torch through Martin County.
Services will be held Jan. 11, 2016, at Forest Hills Chapel in Palm City with internment to follow. Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. with ceremony beginning at 1 p.m.
