Earl "Dude" Eugene Hartzell

Army veteran worked for R.G. Johnson. Earl Eugene "Dude" Hartzell, 68, of Washington, died at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2006, in his residence, following a brief illness. He was born February 6, 1938, in West Finley, a son of Barney "Jack" and Mable Santmayer Hartzell. Mr. Hartzell was a veteran of the Vietnam era, serving in the Army Airborne Infantry for six years. He worked in coal-mine construction for R.G. Johnson for 15 years. Mr. Hartzell was a member of East Buffalo Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed old cars. On June 12, 1959, he married Patricia Gray, who survives. They recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Also surviving are two sons, Mark Hartzell of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Brian (Cheryl) Hartzell of Washington; a daughter, Lorraine (Paul) Warnick of Washington; a brother, Ed (Joan) Hartzell of Washington; a sister, Mary Belle Porter of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, Nikkole Hartzell, Benrenna Hartzell, Stephanie Harnett, Sarah Hartzell, Matthew Hartzell, Amber Cox, Ashley Cox, Kristen Cox and A.J. Cox; and six great-grandchildren. Deceased are a sister, Sis Hartzell Craig; and his stepfather, Robert McCrerey. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in West Finley Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175.