Mikel Eugene Hartness

Mikel Eugene Hartness, son of Gregory Allen Hartness and Kathy Jo (Adkinson) Hartness, was born October 21, 1969, in Sycamore, Illinois. Most of Mikel’s early years were spent in Illinois and Arkansas before the family moved to Waynesville where he graduated from Waynesville High School with the Class of 1987. Mikel had a serving attitude and was always willing to help people. That was very apparent in the fact that immediately after graduating from high school, he began working in emergency medical services and was part of one of the first EMT classes taught in Pulaski County. He furthered his education by earning a Paramedic Certification at the University of Missouri-Columbia and used his knowledge to serve Pulaski County with the Pulaski County Ambulance District for 32 years. Not only did he serve with the ambulance district as a paramedic, but also served a tenure as Chief Administrator for several years. Mikel also served with the St. Robert Police Department’s JETT (Joint Enforcement Tactical Team), volunteered with the Waynesville Rural Fire District, Deputy with Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department with their Pulaski County Emergency Response Team, MO-TF1 (Missouri Task Force 1), and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Urban Search and Rescue Team. A few of his most memorable experiences with FEMA included helping in New York City at Ground Zero during the aftermath of 9/11, in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and most recently in Joplin during the aftermath of the Joplin tornado. Mikel not only brought comfort to people while serving with the different agencies he was a part of, but he always had a compassionate heart toward those who had lost loved ones during his time as Pulaski County Coroner. Mikel was united in marriage to Donna Ann (Bennett) Hartness, and they were blessed with three children: Donald, Jennifer, and John before Donna preceded him in death in 2005. Mikel was united in marriage to Dana (Wheadon) Armellino, and at the time of their union, two families were joined to consist of Donald, Jennifer, John, Devin, and Brandon. Their family was later blessed with Alexandria. Mikel was united in marriage to Elissa Grace (Levy) Hartness on July 21, 2023, at one of Mikel’s favorite places, Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. They shared numerous adventures during their time together. Their future plans were intended to grant them many more memories. In his spare time, Mikel enjoyed being outdoors, especially mowing his lawn, but you could find him playing a few rounds of golf with his buddies during the warmer days. He was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan and could tell you anything you wanted to know about the Cubs. He was also a Kansas City Chiefs football fan. Every weekend, when he was off, he enjoyed playing cards with “the guys”. It was always a great time of trying to win, giving each other a hard time, and just getting to spend time with friends. On Monday, March 18, 2024, Mikel passed away in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 54 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Mikel leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Elissa Hartness; mother: Kathy Hartness; six children: Donald Hartness, Jennifer Garrett, John Hartness, Devin Lowe, Brandon Wheadon, and Alexandria Hartness; several grandchildren; two sisters: Angie George (Jerry) and Rachael Miller; paternal grandmother: Donna Hartness; mother-in-law: Donita Teel; father-in-law: Darren Levy; sister-in-law: Danielle Levy; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Even though he is gone from our sight, Mikel’s commitment to his community and serving attitude will live on in our hearts forever. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mikel Hartness and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Mikel Eugene Hartness

October 21, 1969 - March 18, 2024