Edwin “Ed” Clay Hartman, 77, of Arizona, formerly of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer. Born on May 11, 1948, in Mount Vernon to Kenny Clay and Jean Hartman, Ed was known for his honesty, caring nature, and an unfailing witty sense of humor that brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Ed was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Polly, who preceded him in death, and a cherished father to sons Scott Thorp, Nathan Hartman and Jason Hartman. He was also a loving brother to his sister Debbie McIlvoy, who he talked to multiple times daily and who kept him company through his sickness. He also carried the memory of his son Jason, and his parents close to his heart.
He is survived by his daughter in law’s Tammy Thorp, Tabitha Hartman and Kathleen Hartman and his grandchildren, Zoey Thorp, Molly Hartman, Clay Hartman, Dakota Copley, Mikaela Copley, Dawson Copley, Justin McCoy and Julia Howery. He is also survived by his brother-in-law’s Jerry Stryker, Dwight Stryker and Neil McIlvoy.
A dedicated hospice nurse for 25 years, Ed touched countless lives with his compassion and empathy. Music was his lifelong passion—he played in several bands from high school, including The Lories and the T-Birds, and joyfully shared his talent with his grandchildren. His love of animals, especially his dogs and desert tortoises, brought him great happiness. Ed found joy in family trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida, and treasured memories in Tennessee with Polly. He will be remembered for the love and humor he brought to others and the exceptional care he gave his patients.
Pop loved big, laughed often, and will be remembered for the compassion he gave to every life he touched, especially as a nurse. I will never forget when he became our impromptu swim coach at Nationals when our coach couldn’t travel to Florida. His warmth and humor will be dearly missed, as well as his smart-aleck remarks.
Arrangements for celebrations of Ed’s life will be announced on Facebook for Arizona in early November and Ohio in early June. My Pop was a man that loved big and never stopped being witty! He will always be OUR POP!!
