Charles Henry "Charlie" Hartman, 91, of Tuscola, IL passed away at 5:24 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana, IL.

He was born January 16, 1919 in Douglas County, IL the son of Frank Joseph and Bertha Kleiss Hartman.

Charles attended country schools. When he was old enough he enlisted in the National Guard and became a Staff Sergeant. Charles worked the family farm in Douglas County with his Dad until his father's passing in 1969. He then continued to farm northeast of Tuscola where he raised and fed Black Angus cattle. He retired and moved to Tuscola with his wife in 2004. He married Margaret Ashwill on June 28, 1969 at the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church in Tuscola, IL. She survives.

Charles was a lifetime member of the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church where he served on various committees. He also was a lifetime member of the Douglas County Farm Bureau. He served on the board of directors for the Tuscola Co-op Grain Company for 10 years, was a Drainage Commissioner for many years, served as a 4-H leader for younger boys and became an active volunteer and member of the Douglas County Museum.

At the time of his retirement, Charlie's favorite past-time was collecting and restoring old Farmall tractors, both large and small. Charlie kept track of the antique tractors he bought and sold and was nearing the 60 mark. After his move to town he still continued to PLAY with antique tractors.

He is also survived by his step-daughter, Lynnette Smith and husband Carl of Beardstown, IL; two sisters: Catherine McCumber of Monticello, IL and Barbara Cannon (friend Chuck Brooks) of Urbana, IL; one brother: James "Sonny" Hartman and wife Norma of Monticello, IL; 3 step grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren, 2 step great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters: Mary Catherine Hartman, Virginia Bailey and Dorothy Parker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 5, 2010 at the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, 201 E. Van Allen St. Tuscola, IL with Father Barry Harmon officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 4, 2010 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St. Tuscola, IL with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Douglas County Museum, BETH's Place or Forty Martyrs Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be sent to: hilligossshraderfh.com