It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Sanford Hartwell at the age of 73.  He passed away on November 2, 2023.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2023 at Biggers Funeral Home where family and friends are invited to attend.

Service: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in Biggers Funeral Chapel.

Committal: 3:30 p.m. at Jaybird Cemetery.

He was born in Durant, Oklahoma on August 14, 1950, to Edna and Royal Hartwell. Shortly after, his family moved to Azle where he grew up and graduated from Azle High School in 1969. He was employed at Joe White Tank Company for 34 years.

Joe loved life! He was an avid hunter and member of the Tarrant Sportsman for over 15 years. He coached little league baseball for 10 years. If Joe wasn't hunting, you could find him rooting for one of his many sports teams, grilling in his backyard, spending time at his lake house on Lake Mexia and cherishing the time spent with his family and friends. His love of sports was handed down to the family! You might see any one of his children or grandchildren cheering on the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, or rooting for the Texas Longhorns.

Joe was a loving and selfless person who put everyone else before himself. He was always there when anyone needed help, and he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Joe was a beloved husband, father, papa, son, and brother.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Royal and Edna Hartwell; his sister, Donna Wilkie and her husband, Val Wilkie, and his brother, Eddie Hartwell.

Joe lived a rich and fulfilling life with a loving family, successful career, and a strong passion for the outdoors. He will forever be missed but never forgotten.

Survivors: He is survived by his wife of 39 years, , Peggy; three children and their spouses, Heather and Rob Abernathie, Amber and John Henry, and Chad and Carin Hartwell; five grandchildren, Lindsey and Trey Abernathie, Keegan and Avery Hartwell, and Emery Henry; his in-laws, Bill and Sue Barrett, Becky and Aaron Webb and their son, Bo, Tami Gunter and Brian Sturgeon and her children, Cody Gunter and Kenda Parker (spouse Mitch), and her children, Braden and Kaylin. He is also survived by his sister's children, Randy Simmans, Bryan Bowden and Sondra Wilke; his brother's children, Misty Fair, David Hartwell and Mark Hartwell, and numerous great nieces and nephews.