Eddie was known by several names, “Tobe” to his family and “Frog” to his many truck driving buddies. He was born on November 15, 1947, in Iola, Kansas to the late Walter Donald and Beulah Irene (Kendrick) Hartsell. He grew up on a farm outside of Adrian, MO. He attended school and graduated from Adrian High School in 1965. Soon after, he went to work on the loading docks of Kansas City where he learned to drive a semi-truck. He always wanted to be a truckdriver and in the early 70’s he drove for Passaic Grain (Passaic, MO), Steel Haulers and Tri-City Construction Co. (Kansas City, MO) and Tiona Truck Lines (Butler, MO).
Eddie was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Wood, on November 27, 1968, in Adrian, Mo, she survives.
Together they moved to Joplin in 1974 to make their home. In June of that year Eddie went to work for Martin Oil Co. He drove several different trucks for them through the years, but his favorite was a 2001 red and white Peterbilt. He drove this truck for 11 years without an accident and was inducted into Caterpillar’s Million Mile Club in 2014. He was also the recipient of the Larry H. Martin Memorial Award in 2015 and was very proud of both awards. He worked for Martin Oil Company for 32 years when they sold the business to Wallis Oil Company in Cuba, MO. Eddie drove another 8 years for them and retired in December 2014.
Eddie enjoyed classic cars. He owned a 1972 black GMC step side pickup he called “Angus” and a 1963 black and white Chevy Impala SS called “The 3”. Both vehicles are now happily living with other family members. He loved going to car shows and swap meets and was a lifelong member of the National Impala Association where he and Carolyn attended many impala conventions in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He loved flea markets and collected old country music vinyl records. He also enjoyed watching football and old black and white westerns on TV. He and Carolyn loved to travel, mostly by car, however they also enjoyed cruising to Alaska, Canada and the New England states. Their goal was to tour every state and only missed it by one, Hawaii.
Eddie was hardworking, full of fun and loved to laugh. He was a bit of a prankster as family and fellow truckdrivers will attest to. He never met a stranger and was a wonderful friend to have. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Hartsell, of Joplin; one brother, Tony Hartsell, of Butler, MO; brother-in-law, Roger McKee, of Carthage, MO; one sister-in-law, Debbie Hartsell, of Butler, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by one brother Larry Hartsell and his wife, Rita; and one sister, Naomi Faye McKee.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Stone Cemetery, County Road 160, Diamond, MO 64840. The family will receive for a time of visitation on Monday, June 26th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Parker Mortuary in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be entrusted to the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.
