Harry Wortman was “a country boy at heart,” quickly building friendships in everyone he met. Strangers were just friends he hadn’t met yet. His helping and giving personality, found him often visiting friends, attending to their needs, and he was content in caring for his wife during her years of illness.
A man characterized by contentment, Harry R. Wortman went to be with the Lord Monday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2016. He was 87.
He was born Feb. 5, 1928 in MacArthur (in Vinton County) to Howard and Hazel (Salts) Wortman. Harry graduated from MacArthur High School.
He came to Mansfield to find work. Accepting a job at Westinghouse, he worked faithfully there until his retirement when the factory closed in 1990.
Harry was a member of Sons of Herman, Owls and the VFW on Grace Street. He kept busy with yard work – he loved to be on a mower – and enjoyed tending his garden – at harvest, giving the produce to everyone he could.
He is survived by his children and their spouses: Charlotte and Donald Janes, of Mansfield, Dee and Will Johnson, of Mansfield, Ralph and April Wortman, of Bellville, Don and Janet Wortman, of Vista, California, Becky and Ron Frasher, of Ontario, and Bob and Teresa Wortman, of Mansfield; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Wilma Wortman, of Carmella, California, and Rose White, of Mansfield; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary Louise Militello Wortman, on Dec. 3, 2014; also deceased are his parents; three grandsons; brothers Verne Wortman and Merle Wortman, a sister, Mildred Shoemaker; and an infant brother, Homer.
His family extends heartfelt thanks to Touch of Grace home health care aide Becky Hall, who was an exceptional gift in Harry’s care, allowing him to stay at home.
Friends may call on the Wortman family Thursday, Jan. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, 350 Marion Ave. (Former Finefrock Funeral Home) where a funeral service honoring his life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. Pastor Craig Hamm will officiate assisted by Steve McElhatten. Private burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory to Berean Baptist Church Memorial Fund may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Harry’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory — or see his tribute video — at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
