Donald Gartin Obituary

Donald Eugene Gartin, 82, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2019, in Iowa City, IA.
Visitation will be held from Noon until 7 PM on Wednesday, February 13th at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant, IA.  The family will be in attendance from 5 – 7 PM.  Pastor Charles Comfort will be officiating a funeral service at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 14th at First Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant.  Burial will take place at Salem Cemetery in Chariton, IA.
He was born August 21, 1936, in Chariton, Iowa, to John Laurel and Ora Lovell Gartin.  He graduated from Chariton High School (1954), Omaha Bible Institute (1957), the University of Iowa (1962), and University of Iowa College of Law (1965).
He was married to Constance Lee Cottingham on December 27, 1963 and moved to Mt. Pleasant following his graduation from law school.  He worked as an attorney with the Galer Law firm until he later opened a private practice.  He also owned a construction company.  He and his wife Connie raised two sons, Timothy L. Gartin (Ames) and Marcus L. Gartin (Mt. Pleasant).
Donald was involved in community activities including Rotary and leading an Explorer Post.  He was also active in the local Republican Party and served as a precinct captain for many years.
As a child, he attended the First Baptist Church of Russell, Iowa, and later enjoyed teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir at First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant.  His faith was in Christ as Lord and Savior.
His greatest passion outside of his faith and family was in helping others. He believed everyone mattered and instilled this in his children.  He mentored many young people toward careers they would eventually pursue as adults.  As a young man, he enjoyed the benefit of similar mentors and wanted to help young people understand the importance of hard work, integrity, and an education.
He remained active in farming during his retirement years.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Beverly Keener, and a brother, Randall Gartin.
Donald is survived by his wife, two sons, and four grandchildren: Nathan, Peter, Elizabeth, and Joshua Gartin.  He is also survived by one sister, Carol (Gartin) Taylor.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends.