Leon Hartman Jr.

Leon Hartman Jr., stalwart warrior of all things good, all things Jesus, and all things right departed this life on June 17, 2025, at the age of 77. Leon was born on December 1, 1947, in Morgan City, Louisiana to Leon Hartman Sr. and Marguerite Milton Hartman. He was the devoted husband of the wife of his dreams the former Olga Louis of Loreauville, La. for 54 years and the father of one son Dr. Corey Louis Hartman (Erika) of Homewood, Alabama and one daughter Nazaren Hartman Mindingall (Wesley) of Hoover, Alabama and the proud interactive grandfather of Grant Louis Hartman, Helen Elizabeth Hartman, Olivia Marie Mindingall and Eleanor Marie Mindingall. Leon earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Southern University of Baton Rouge in 1969. He was a former employee of the St Mary Parish School Board, Union Carbide Corporation, and Job Corps New Orleans. Leon often ran into his former students of Job Corps where they always fondly remembered him as tough, no-nonsense Mr. Hartman who tremendously impacted their lives. As a result of his stern no nonsense approach to education, Job Corp reassigned his position to that of Instructor/Career Developer so that he was the initial contact instructor for all incoming students to firmly establish the only acceptable behavioral pattern of each student. In addition to being an amazingly outstanding husband, father, grandfather and educator Leon was committed to making everything in the community and environment better, safer, and more beautiful. He consistently maintained a perfectly manicured lawn and property and could always be found out in his yard crafting his art to perfection. He loved shopping the flower sales at Lowe’s and gleefully bragged of finding amazing bargains always finding additional space for more flowers. His focus for cleanliness, perfection and beauty spread far beyond his own property to incorporate the surrounding community by his consistent commitment to keep the community clean by picking up litter for blocks every Sunday before church. In his determination Leon hustled garbage cans when the local bus company failed to provide those, placing garbage cans at the bus stops at Lake Forest, Mayo and Dwyer. He maintained a regular garbage emptying schedule to ensure that they were properly and timely emptied. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren Leon is survived by his sister-in-law Linda King and brother-in-law Rudy King, with whom he shared a comradery and bond for 54 years. Seven siblings Herman Hartman (Mary), Mary Morris (Fleming), Kenwood Hartman (Diane), Jannitta Antoine (Raymond), Oletha Hebert (Kenneth), Tina Garner (Rosemore) and Marshall Hartman, three Godsons (nephews) Victor King (Camille), Richard King (Leslie) and Terence King (Anesah) and one Goddaughter (niece) Margaret Rose Sigue, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Leon was preceded in death by his parents Leon Sr and Marguerite Hartman and his father and mother-in-law Wilker and Mae Olia Louis. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at First Baptist Church, 5290 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am until 11:00am. Interment: St. Patrick #3 Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences to the family.