Warner, NH – David Elbert Hartman of Warner, New Hampshire, passed peacefully on January 23, 2026. Born September 20, 1942 in Sandusky, Ohio, the son of Walter and Ethelberta Hartman, and the youngest of five siblings.He grew up on the family farm in Berlin Heights and graduated from Berlin Local High School. He studied architecture at Case Western Reserve University where he met the love of his life, Linda (Grover). They married in 1965, beginning a lifetime of partnership and purpose. Dave earned a master's degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University and devoted his early career to service. He and Linda lived in Hawaii helping underserved communities as VISTA volunteers. They later moved to the Pacific island of Yap where Dave applied his planning skills to public works projects.
Dave and Linda put down permanent roots in Warner and he joined the New Hampshire Office of State Planning. In this role he led the state's outdoor recreation planning program and later managed New Hampshire's Coastal Program. In addition to his duties as a civil servant, Dave poured his heart into the community-starting Warner's recycling program, volunteering for the library, the Historical Society, the Fall Foliage Festival, and finally serving honorably for many years as a town selectman.
In retirement, Dave found joy in his garden, his beehives, and on walks with his dogs. Most of all, he treasured time with his family and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Linda; their children, Nathan Hartman (Kate Thorley) and Laura Weedon (Thane Weedon); and grandchildren, Hazel, Willca, Kaia, and Duncan.
We welcome all family and friends to celebrate Dave's life Sunday April 19, 2026 at 2:00pm at MainStreet BookEnds of Warner, 16 East Main Street, Warner, NH.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes