Lawrence Bartley Obituary

Lawrence Everett "Hap" Bartley died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at home in Ignacio. He was 81.

Mr. Bartley was born Dec. 31, 1930, in Genoa to Earl and Leona Bartley. He grew up and attended school in Allison living in the farming and ranching community.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He married Phyllis Mary Martinez on Sept. 29, 1957, in Aztec.

Mr. Bartley had various careers, including driving overland transportation, working at Carmack's Farm and Ranch equipment and barbering at Fred's Barber Shop in Ignacio. He also worked as a U.S. Postal Service mail contractor, delivering mail from Alamosa offices to Ignacio, six days a week, whether it was in the rain, snow, sleet or sunshine. He retired in 1992 after 27 years of service. Since retirement, Mr. Bartley had enjoyed his life at home, helping to raise his grandson, Lakota, his family said.

He spent his days building and tinkering, fabricating, repairing and inventing in his backyard shop, his family said. He enjoyed his family, most of all, his pet cats and dogs, watching the Colorado Rockies, playing with his grandson and family and camping. He always had a smile and welcomed everyone in his home, his family said.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, and a daughter, Debbie.

Mr. Bartley is survived by his son, Lawrence E. Bartley of Ignacio; daughters Leona Bartley of Ignacio and Jeri Mestas of Durango; sister-in-law Lucy Gallegos of Denver, six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov., 29, 2012, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at St. Ignatius. The Rev. Douglas Hunt will officiate. Burial will be held after the Mass at Ignacio East Cemetery in Ignacio.

Memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of choice or floral donations will be accepted.