Wilford “Bill” Hughes Hartman
September 23, 1920 – December 27, 2018
Bill Hartman, 98, passed away on Dec. 27 surrounded by his family in San Mateo, California. He was born in Antwerp, Ohio to Everett & Naone (Hughes) Hartman.
As a young boy who grew up on a farm, Bill always dreamed of flying. This came true in 1939 when he was awarded a scholarship to attend a government civilian flight program in Dayton, Ohio. He completed the program in the top of his class in 1942. A few days later, he received a letter from Washington DC that he was to report A.S.A.P. to the 57th Army Air Force Training Department in Ocala, Florida. He served as a flight instructor teaching many cadets to fly for the war effort until 1944. Two months after completion of service, Bill was hired by United Air Lines, and flew for United for 36 years until mandatory retirement at 60. While at United, he attended the Boeing School of Aeronautics which was his dream in high school. He retired as a 747 Captain.
After retirement, Bill continued his passion for flying. He flew Otis Spunkmeyer’s DC3 Bay Tour, flew the DC3 for SalAir in Alaska, taught flight instruction, was a member in the SF Air Squadron, and built and flew experimental aircraft cross country.
In 1985, he was included in an episode of NOVA, “The Plane that Changed the World”, and was honored to fly Hap Arnold’s DC3 to attend a commemorative event at the White House.
Bill felt very blessed to have a career he truly loved and enjoyed for many years. He was a very caring, humble, and wise man who loved his work, his family, and his friends. He will be loved and missed every day.
He is survived by his children: Greg (Celia), Lisa (Peter) & Christy (Robert); and his sisters: Ruth Overmyer & Sharlene Carroll. He was predeceased by his wife Madelyn, daughter Julie, sisters June Peffley & Helen Sleesman, and brother George Hartman.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, Jan. 26th at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home in San Mateo.
