Paul Martin Hartley June 27, 1940 - May 16, 2022

Paul Martin Hartley passed away quietly in the early morning of May 16, 2022. Paul was born June 27, 1940, in Fairview, Utah to Andrew and Adda Hartley. His family moved to Mapleton, Utah when he was four years old, and it was there that he attended elementary school and then later he attended high school in Springville. He left high school a few weeks before graduation to join the Army where he completed his GED and served in Germany from 1958 to 1961, coincidently on the same base as Elvis Presley. After serving his time in the military, he returned home and started working for the railroad for a short time, then Jensen Drilling in Mapleton, Utah for several years and finally US and Geneva Steel until retiring in 1998. Paul met his wife Sandra Sparks while on a drilling job in Bear Lake, Idaho and they were Married in December of 1965. They were married for 56 years. Paul and Sandra (Sandy) have two children, Kent, and Kari. They moved around for Paul’s drilling work for several years until buying a home in Spanish Fork in 1971.

Upon retirement Paul became an avid golfer, spending a lot of time at the golf course. Paul and Sandy eventually bought a nice trailer and spent their winters in Needles, California where they golfed and met some great friends. It was only the last couple of years that they were no longer able to travel to Needles.

Paul was an active member of the American Legion Post 68 for many years. He loved being part of the services for veterans and served as often as he could. American Legion was near and dear to his heart and through it he made many dear friends. He loved to tell his kids and grandkids about it, and he was proud to be a large part of the annual Veterans Golf Tournament. Paul also helped several Eagle Scouts with their Eagle Projects by facilitating the making of crosses for a memorial field at the Spanish Fork Cemetery. Paul helped over ten Scouts complete their Eagle projects in conjunction with the American Legion.

Paul was an excellent woodworker. He especially loved black walnut and would often go cut down the trees himself, have them rough cut into lumber and then turn them into beautiful pieces of furniture. Many of his kids, grandkids and friends are now proud owners of bowls, end tables, chairs, and other beautiful pieces that he made. He worked hard to expand and perfect his woodworking talent and ended up creating some excellent heirlooms that will be cherished and handed down for many generations.

Paul was also an avid rockhound and belonged to the Needles Gem and Mineral Club in California, and the Timpanogos Rock Club in Utah County. He spent many days out hiking around the desert looking for rocks, minerals, and fossils. His passion for mineralogy and geology was always a good excuse to get out and spend time with friends and family.

Paul always prided himself as an intellectual person, he often took additional classes during his busy work life to improve his knowledge. He regretted not completing more schooling and took great pride in his kids and grandkids excelling in education.

He was kind, patient and loving; he never raised his voice at his kids or grandkids. He was a less active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but still served in scouting as a cubmaster and thoroughly enjoyed the many years he served as a home teacher to families in the ward. Later in life, when he was able, he was always helping other families in the ward and neighborhood, who are still grateful to this day for his service.

During his last years in life, he loved visits from family, and he would always make sure he gave everyone a hug when they came to visit and another hug before they left. Paul is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Adda, his sister Sheila, and son Claire. He is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Kent (Heather), his daughter Kari (Kent) his brother Robert (Gloria), his sister Carolyn and sister Lou Ann. He is Grandfather to 8 grandchildren and Great Grandfather to 7 great grandchildren.  As a Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather you will be missed. We love you.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. located at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.

In lieu of flowers please send a check donation to the American Legion Post 68, P.O. Box 74, Spanish Fork, Utah, 84660.