Benjamin “Benny” Keith Hartwell, age 61, of Greensburg peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. He was born on January 16, 1961 in Indianapolis as the first son of Robert and Lyndal Hartwell.In September 2021, Benny received a liver transplant but shortly after developed a rare disease in solid organ transplant patients called Graft vs. Host disease. Doctors informed Benny and family there was a less than one percent chance this disease would develop and prognosis was grim, with 93-95% of people diagnosed dying within one year of onset. Benny fought bravely for six months and has been an inspiration to all with his positive attitude and determination to beat the odds. He recently said although he was terminally ill, he was the luckiest man alive. Benny was grateful for every single day.
Benny attended Jennings County High School where he was in band and played football. High school is also where he met the love of his life, Judy (Miller). Benny and Judy were high school and college sweethearts, but decided they wanted different things and went their own ways. Benny and Judy reconnected in 2011 and were married on March 10, 2012. They honeymooned in Paris. Benny always said he hit the family lottery when he married Judy.
Following high school, Benny attended college and earned multiple degrees, including two Master’s degrees. He held several jobs and spent the last 15 years working at Hillrom, most recently managing global projects.
Benny’s passions included traveling, spending time with loved ones, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He traveled extensively throughout the world and lived in Australia and Germany. He greatly enjoyed traveling to Civil War and World War battlefields and cemeteries.
Benny’s heritage is Scottish and English and one of the highlights of his life was traveling Scotland with his parents. “Sir Benny” was granted the title when he became a lord after acquiring a parcel of land in Scotland as a gift. His family liked to refer to him as Sir or Lord Benny.
He was well versed in politics and global events. He thrived on the exchange of radical or political ideas with friends and family. He could have an engaging conversation with anyone. He was an avid sports fan, including being an Indianapolis Colts season ticket holder for over 30 years with seats in the front row. He also enjoyed supporting the IU Hoosiers and the Indiana Pacers.
Benny was a kind and gentle person. His optimism was unmatched and his laughter was contagious. Benny was always there to listen, offer advice, and brighten the lives of others.
Benny was committed to his family, making sure that all knew of his support to achieve their highest potential. Benny loved his family fiercely. He was many things, but his favorite title was “Papa Bear” to the pride and joy of his life, his granddaughters, Lennon and Preslee.
Benny is already so deeply missed. Benny is lovingly remembered by his wife, Judy, his four children, Elizabeth (Kevin) McCoy, Jessica (Greg) Dougan, Charlee (Dillion) Miller-Combs, and Daniel (Madison) Combs, his granddaughters, Lennon and Preslee, his sister, Beverly Thompson, brother, Robert (Sue) Hartwell, his in laws, David (Cheryl) Miller, Julie Tindell, Janet (Mike) Pickett, Jeanine Yager, many nieces and nephews, and his honorary family, Grandma’s Gang.
Benny was preceded in death by his loving parents, Bob and Lyndal Hartwell, brothers-in-law, Doug Thompson and Jim Tindell, and parents-in-law, Charles and Joanne Miller.
A celebration of Benny’s life will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to North Decatur Elementary School library in loving memory of Papa Bear.