MILLINOCKET – Loren W. “Sonny” Hartley Jr., 78, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 28, 2011, at his home. He was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Millinocket, son of Loren W. and Bessie (Clark) Hartley.
Sonny grew up in Millinocke, and was a graduate of Stearns High School, Class of 1950. He served in the U.S. Army for three years, after which time he returned to Millinocket and worked for Great Northern Paper Co., retiring from there in the early 1980s. After retiring, he worked part time as a private investigator for a few years. Sonny owned show horses years ago, and spent much time with his children taking them to competitions and caring for them at “The Hovel.” More recently, he enjoyed building model airplanes, and working on projects around the house and camp. He also enjoyed spending time at camp, traveling, riding in the woods looking for moose and eating out. Sonny was a member of Anah Temple Shrine, Donald Henry Post No. 80 of American Legion and Francis Elliot Post No. 4154 of Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Sonny is survived by his wife of 15 years, Lanna (Burbridge-Lyons) Hartley of Millinocket; four children, Ann Morrow of Portland, Karen Hackett and her husband, Mike, of Bangor, John Hartley of Austin, Texas, and Katherine Littleton of Portland; three stepchildren, Mark Lyons and his wife, Heather, of Auburn, David Lyons and his wife, Jennifer, of Sabattus, and Denyce Tibbitts and her husband, Todd, of Millinocket; a brother, Floyd Hartley and his wife, Dodie, of Millinocket; 13 grandchildren, whom he loved very much, two great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Sonny was predeceased by a son, Lonnie Hartley; a grandson, Joshua Hartley; and a sister, Beulah Byron.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Millinocket Cemetery with the Rev. Phil McGlaughlin officiating. Gifts in memory of Sonny may be sent to Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Road, No. 19, South Portland, ME 04106. Arrangements by Lamson Funeral Home, Millinocket. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.