Gartman

Richard Gartman, 57, of Smithville, passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle, on July 17, 2023, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Richard was born on Dec. 27, 1965 in Houston to Wilma Swift and Harvey Gartman. He grew up in La Grange, a town he loved. Richard graduated from La Grange High School in 1984 and never lost his loyalty to his Leopards. In 1986, Richard began working for Texoil Services, where he remained until he was forced to retire in September 2018 due to kidney failure. Richard married his beloved, Crystal Robinson, in Smithville on July 29, 2005. Together they raised their seven children and scores of grandchildren. Richard was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive family man. Even when he was not feeling well, he relished in being dad to his children and “BamBam” to the grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to let them know he loved them deeply and was proud of them all. They will carry with them his cuddles, his laughter, his teasing spirit, his love of sports, and the time spent being spoiled at “Bam-Bam Daycare.” Richard will be dearly missed and always remembered for his loyalty, his Longhorns, and NASCAR, but most of all his deep and never wavering love for his family and friends.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Gartman, as well as his beloved children, Charles, Ivey Lyn, Kaydee Rose (Danny), Noah (fiancée Hannah), Makenna Star (Tyler Rutledge), and Dalton; grandchildren, Paisyn Jean, Kyra Lyn, Keegan, Blayne, Kohen, Waylon, Jett; sisters, Jean Hoppes (husband Billy), Cindy Diaz (husband John), Barbra Carter (husband Bruce); brother, Robert Gartman (wife Christie); son-in-law, Cory Randel; sister-in-law, Sheryl Gartman; brother-in-law, Sammy Johnson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends that were family in his heart.

Richard was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Destinee Randel; as well as his parents, Wilma and Harvey; brothers, Ronald Gartman, Lane Lowery, and Al Lowery; sisters, Carolyn O’Bannon and Linda Sue Johnson; sonin- law, Clint Price; brothersin- law, Ronnie Hentschel and Donnie Hentschel.

Richard’s family has planned a Celebration of Life to be held in his honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of Richard’s loved ones to join us in celebrating his beautiful life with a spaghetti lunch, followed by spending time in fellowship and laughter. We ask that family and friends bring your favorite dessert or sweet treat and stories of Richard to share with everyone. We will also be honoring Richard’s love for his Longhorns so please wear your best burnt orange to Dr George M. Jones VFW Post 1309, Smithville, on Aug. 12, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m.