David Ward Hartwell, 80, of Paw Paw, passed away at his home Sunday, May 22, 2022, with his loving wife by his side. He was born Sept. 11, 1941, in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of the late Vern Ward Hartwell and Irene Belle (Mochmer) Hartwell.
Dave proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Ballard on Sept. 3, 1976, and the couple began their new lives together. Dave served as governor of the Paw Paw Moose Lodge, where he was also awarded the Fellowship Degree. Being a proud Marine, Dave was a longtime member of the American Legion McGowan-Johnson Post 68, Paw Paw. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. In his free time, Dave enjoyed woodworking projects, playing a game of golf, bowling or going out fishing.
Dave is survived by his wife, Mary (Bush) Hartwell; four sons, David (Suzanne) Hartwell, Doug (Roxann) Ballard, Tom (Greta) Ballard and Duke (Kelly) Hartwell; one daughter, Rebecca (Jason) Cook; 12 grandchildren, Justin Hartwell, Alex Hartwell, Alyssa (Brandon) Monroe, Dylan Ballard, Derek Ballard, Madelyn (Stephano) Arevalo Malpartida, Nolan Ballard, Evan Hartwell, Noah Hartwell, Katelyn Cook, Brett Cook and Reyana Cook; one great-granddaughter, Emilia; and one brother, Harvey Hartwell.
David was preceded in death by his sisters, Joan Dean and Joyce Harvey; along with one brother, Richard Hartwell.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, May 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 412 Cedar St., Paw Paw, where a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Leonard Brinkmoeller officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion McGowan-Johnson Post 68, Paw Paw designated to the statue project for the Maple City Veterans’ Memorial Park or to United Christian Services.
Share a memory or sign the online tribute wall at: www.adamspawpaw.com.