Lawrence Merle Bartlett, 85
Lawrence Merle Bartlett was born Sept. 18, 1925, in Pomeroy, Wash., to Blake and Alta (McQueen) Bartlett. He passed away Sept. 6, 2011.
He graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1944. He was a proud member of 82nd Airborne Signal Co., 17th Airborne Division. During World War II they fought engagements in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, the Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged as Pvt. First Class on June 14, 1946.
While in Europe, he married Marjorie Shepherd and is survived by their three children, Sharon Metcalf, Patrick Bartlett and Sandra Scimeca.
In 1958 he married Dorothy Eckhart and together they raised five children: Arthur Edward ("Skip") Eckhart, Richard Eugene ("Rick") Eckhart, Lorna Elaine Eckhart-Mesenhemeir, Johnny Lynn Eckhart and Terry Alan Eckhart. They also had three children of their own: Steven Lawrence Bartlett, Merle Blake Bartlett and Tracy Lee Bartlett.
Larry was the owner and bartender of the Blue Note Lounge in Post Falls and was quite proud of his relentless fight to serve alcohol on Sundays. He also worked for Idaho Veneer from 1973 until he retired.
Many will remember him as a hunter, camper and a proud member and past president of the Coeur d'Alene Eagles. Others will remember him working his beloved garden that fronts Seltice Way, wearing his trusty orange stocking cap, even in the 90-degree heat. He also loved spending hours canning, pickling and sharing his abundant crops.
His sons, Terry and Tracy; grandson Ricky Bartlett; son-in-law Jerry Mesenhemeir and two brothers, Ed and Bill, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Sharon and Michael Metcalf, Patrick Bartlett, Sandra and Vie Scimeca, Arthur and Cheryl Eckhart, Rick and Clara Eckhart, John and Anna Eckhart, Steven and Kay Bartlett, and Merle and Robin Bartlett. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his dear friend, Judith Walton, and two brothers and their wives, EImo ("Bart") and Mariam Bartlett and Alan and Betty Bartlett.
Larry did not want a formal service but friends and family are invited to a remembrance gathering from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at Q'emiln Park Trailhead Pavilion in Post Falls.
Please visit Lawrence's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.