Homer E. Hartke

Homer E. Hartke, 64, of Dover, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home, Friday morning, June 28, 2013 following an 11-month battle with small cell lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain and liver.
Born November 17, 1948 in Marietta, Ohio, he was the son of the late Edward J. Hartke and Margaret H. (Boice) Farnsworth.
Homer graduated from Fairless High School in 1967 and continued his formal education at Kent State University where he obtained an associate degree in business. He then honorably served his country during Vietnam where he was a helicopter crew chief.
He returned from the service and began his professional banking career for more than 34 years, primarily at National City Mortgage. He also worked for The Timken Company since 2008 as a steel worker.
On March 5, Homer celebrated 20 years of marriage with his wife and friend, the former Deborah “Debbie” Brick. They greatly enjoyed vacationing and hiking the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, with a special passion for Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. Homer also enjoyed hunting, animals, and being in nature.
Homer will also be deeply missed by his daughters, Diane White of Medina and Jennifer (companion, Randy Rominger) Gentry of Cambridge; his step-daughters, Jennifer (Jason) Chilman of Hamilton, O., Laura (Steve) Welker of Columbus, and Melissa (companion, Ron Cihon) Blakely of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Cory and Jason White of Medina, Jeremy Gentry of Waynesburg, Alyssa and Zachary Chilman of Hamilton, and Owen Welker of Columbus; his longtime friend, Ed (Charlotte) Gibbs of New Philadelphia; his four-legged companion, Abby; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Fritz (April) Brick, Terry (Paula) Brick and Gary Brick, all of New Philadelphia, and Diane (Harold) Davis of Marysville; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Homer was preceded in death by his in-laws, Milton and Ruth Brick; and his sisters-in-law, Judy and Ginny Brick.
Cremation will be cared for through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. Pastors Jeff Gerber and Jill Lovett will officiate a private graveside service Wednesday, July 3, 2013 in Evergreen Burial Park where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors.
Memorial contributions in Homer’s name may be directed to either Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, O. 44663, or to the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, P.O. Box 3100 Estes Park, Colorado, 80517.
Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Homer by visiting the funeral home website at www.GeibCares.com.