He was born July 9, 1924, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to William Hartwell and Molly Petersen Hartwell. He grew up and attended schools in the Idaho Falls area. In 1943, he graduated from Idaho Falls High School.

George worked as a farmhand until entering the US Army January 5, 1944. After his discharge, March 7, 1946, he started a small excavating company, Hartwell Excavation. This small business became a mega empire known as " H & K Contractors" .

He married Laura C. Colon; they were later divorced. He married Ema Lou Bishop; they were later divorced. On Oct. 29, 1986, he married Dorothy J. Grover Carter.

George was a founding member of the Flying B Ranch, a member of the B.P.O.E., President of the Association of General Contractors, and a Boy Scout leader. He owned Taylor Mtn. Ski Hill in the late 60's and early 70's.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards and cribbage, attending dog races, flying his plane which he taught himself to fly, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Dorothy enjoyed spending their winters in Tucson, Arizona.

Everyone that knew George loved him; his life was built on honesty, integrity, and hard work which he instilled in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by the following: wife, Dorothy Jane Hartwell of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughters: VaLaura A. Dougherty of Westbrook, Maine, and Tami (Kevin) King of Firth, Idaho; sons: Ty Colan Hartwell of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Mike (Leean) Bishop of Scottsdale, Arizona; Patrick (Debbie) Bishop of San Antonio, Texas; Guy (Marylin) Carter of Tucson, Arizona; Greg (Cheryl) Carter and Kelly (Laura) Carter both of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 23 Grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, George Hartwell Jr.; son-in-law, Raymond Dougherty; and brothers, Vernon and Dale Hartwell.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 30, 2006, at the Crestwood LDS Ward, 2055 Coronado with Bishop Kip Manwaring officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday evening from 6-9:00 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, and Monday one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery with military rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Team.