Lavern Franklin Hartman

Laverne "Vernie" Franklin Hartman, 86, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026. Born in Garnett, KS and raised around Blue Mound, KS area. Vernie was a man who carried a contagious smile, a quiet demeanor, and a legendary streak of mischief throughout his entire life.

In his younger years, Vernie learned the value of hard work farming alongside his father, but as a teenager, he focused on living life to its fullest. He was proud to be one of the "good ole boys," and his family will forever cherish the stories of his youth-whether it was the classic Halloween story of turning over an outhouse and being chased by the local night marshals.

Vernie was as ornery as he was quiet, a trait that made him a real pain at the family card table. He loved nothing more than getting the best of his brothers during intense games of Pitch or Mexican Train. Acting innocent while having a grin, gave him away every time.

A devoted family man and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vernie's deepest love was for his family. He cherished every moment spent with his daughters and loved heading out into the woods hunting with his brother, Gary.

After a dedicated career, Vernie retired from the Olathe Medical Center and moved back to Iola, KS to be closer to the people who meant the most to him. For the last five years, he resided at Moran Manor nursing home, where he faithfully gave the nurses a run for their money. He was a fixture at the facility's Bingo games, mostly because he loved the thrill of trying to slide a few extra chips onto his board without getting caught. When he wasn't keeping the staff on their toes, Vernie was happiest sitting outdoors, lost in a good Western book, or watching his favorite Westerns on TV.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Franklin Hartman; his mother, Vera Opal Hartman; his brother Larry Hartman and his sister Betty Poff.

Vernie's legacy of laughter and love lives on through his survivors: his two daughters, Renee Hartman and Tina Hartman; his grandson, Michael Hartman; his two sisters, Vera Louise Jeppesen and Linda Fredrickson; and his three brothers, Claron "Chub" Hartman, Marvin Hartman, and Gary Hartman, as well as many extended family members and friends who will dearly miss his contagious smile.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Vernie's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on Wednesday evening , June 4, 2026 at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Memorial contributions are suggested to Wings of Warriors and can be left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.