Obituary of John Charles Hartung

John Charles Hartung, 68, passed on June 1, 2021. He was born in Baltimore, MD on November 18, 1952, the son of the late Erwin and Katherine McGrath Hartung, but spent most of his life in his beloved West Virginia. He leaves behind his daughter Katherine Hartung O’Neal and her husband Jon of Albuquerque, NM, sisters Kathleen Frantz and husband Tom from Dallas, TX, and Patty Graves and her husband Mark of Catonsville, MD. He also leaves a step-son Zachary Golightly and seven nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Erwin Hartung in 2006. John graduated from West Liberty State College and worked for over thirty years at Dominion Energy. John was an artist, chef, world traveler, tutor, and a master gardener. He was an accomplished artist, specializing in pottery and photography, which was displayed in Clarksburg and Fairmont. He was a magnificent chef, entertaining family and friends with wonderful cuisine and colorful stories. He loved traveling the world and had been on over thirty cruises. After retirement, he spent many years as a literacy volunteer, tutoring both children and adults, often helping people learn English as a second language. He also served on the board of Literacy Volunteers of Harrison County. His gardens were many, beautiful, and loved by family and friends. Most of all, John was a amazing father. He taught the beauty of life and the importance of treating people with kindness. He taught creativity and an appreciation of art and music. He always supported his friends and family in good times and in bad. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Literacy Volunteers of Harrison County in John's name. A celebration of life will be held at Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV on June 26, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, where we will toast his life and share our memories. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Hartung family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.