On January 7, 1931, Clensy Hartzog and Eva Buckley welcomed into the world a handsome baby boy they named Charles C. Hartzog, affectionately called Chuck. Chuck was born in Prentiss, Mississippi where he was surrounded by grandparents, uncles, aunts, and numerous cousins. While growing up he was taught farming and became quite good at it. He would use what he learned later in life to master one of the hobbies he loved. During the 1930s it was not considered a good time for young black men in Mississippi, so his parents relocated the family to San Francisco, California to hopefully allow Chuck a better way of life.

While growing up in California Chuck took odd jobs to keep some pocket change, but he longed to see the world and learn a trade whereby he could find his niche and secure a career. After completing the required credits from high school, in 1949 he enlisted in the United States Air Force to accomplish his goals. He quickly set his sights on being a Heavy Equipment Operator and learned any and everything he could to promote from an Airman to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He absolutely loved the Air Force and traveled to such places as Vietnam, Korea, France, Germany, and stateside assignments such as Arizona, Texas, Florida, and California. He particularly loved Vietnam, France, and Germany, and fought in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

It was during his Air Force career he met and fell in love with Frances M. Eason. He traveled from France to Chicago, Illinois to marry her in March 1957. To this union was born Michael C., Denita C., and Valmy C. Hartzog. In 1971 after retiring at McDill AFB, Chuck wanted to plant roots so he chose to move his family to Denver, Colorado as he learned it was place where families could thrive and his children would have quality lives and great opportunities. He settled in and found work again in the Heavy Equipment Operator field and continued in this line of work for several years.

In 1988, he met and married Ofelia Hirang which union lasted for the remainder of his life. They were inseparable and referred to each other affectionately as “Sweetheart.” He could often be seen driving his Ms. Daisy (Ofelia) around, as it was his way of looking out for her. They traveled to various places and enjoyed dining at different restaurants. Together they helped raise grandchildren Louise Whitney whom they called LA, and Tony Hirang whom he enjoyed a special relationship with and spoke fondly of him. Even then Ofelia said he worked hard everyday and did not have it in him to truly retire from working because “Retirement” was not in his blood. In all he amassed a total of three retirements plus his VA and his social security. When his family looked at it, all that could be said was “WOW” he was a hard-working man.

Once he was fully retired, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and socializing with his military buddies at The Retired Enlistee Association. He taught his children all he knew about fishing, and had several fishing spots from Colorado, to Wyoming, to Nebraska, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The farming skills he mastered when he was in Mississippi came in handy when he created his own beautiful garden in his backyard. He grew Tomatoes, Onions, Beans, Greens, Cucumbers, Squash, plus. He was so successful at gardening he often had a surplus of food to give away to friends and family.

In January 2020, right after his 89th birthday, Chuck became ill and had to be hospitalized. Doctors thought it would be any day he would leave us, but he proved them all wrong. He had a desire to get back to his gardening and sit in his favorite chair and watch the Denver Broncos or the Denver Nuggets play. He wanted to watch CNN from the comfort of his own house; the hospital was not where he wanted to be. He did just that and fought through to enjoy several more months with his family.

On September 22, 2020 at 0900 hrs., Chuck took his last breath and closed his eyes to this world. Fortunately, his beliefs and faith in God allowed him to open his eyes on the other side.

John 14 says Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe in also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

He is in no more pain and is in perfect peace with Our Lord and Savior in His House.

Charles C. Hartzog leaves to treasure his memory his wife Ofelia Hartzog, Daughters Denita C. Hartzog and Valmy C. Hartzog Howard (Tony), Maria E. Raatz (Dan), Joseph Hirang, his Grandchildren Mikelle C. Agee-Odoms (LaVaughn), Louise Whitney, Tony Hirang, Jade Hartzog, Jaxon Hartzog, and Great Granddaughter Zalia A. Agee-McCormick. He was proceeded in death by his Son Michael C. Hartzog, and Grandson Tyland S. Hartzog Agee, and has a host of other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

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