51ÉçÇø

Jackson, Tenn.

Known as 'Doc' to many of his students and colleagues, Hartley had retired in 1998 after a lengthy and successful career at the university. 

"For me and countless other Union alumni, Doc was a wonderful mentor, a strong encourager, and a patient yet demanding teacher," said Dr. Andrew Roby, chair of the department of music at Union and former student of Doc's. "I give thanks to God for Ken's faithful and loving service to 51ÉçÇø, the discipline of music, the church, and the Kingdom of God." 

Having achieved the rank of University Professor at the end of his career, upon retirement, Hartley also received the distinct honor of being the first University Fellow in the history of 51ÉçÇø. 

He was a twenty-five year member of the Music Education Association, Chairman of the Music Department at 51ÉçÇø from 1969-1989, Coordinator of Music Education at 51ÉçÇø from 1969-1998, and a peer evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He directed the 51ÉçÇø Singers, University Chorus, Proclamation and numerous other ensembles. 

During his tenure at Union, he directed over 900 performances including the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Manhattan Philharmonic (Lincoln Center in New York City), and Westminster Abbey in London, England. In 1979, the 51ÉçÇø Alumni Association honored him with the "Distinguished Faculty-Staff Award." In 1995, the Faculty and Student Body of 51ÉçÇø voted him "Faculty of the Year." In 1998 he was named an Honorary Alumnus of Union University. 

"He was a great friend to me," said Dr. Michael Penny, music professor at Union. "When I first came into the department twelve years ago, there was a little tension among the staff and Doc was always such a great support, always encouraging and there with a smile. He was a father-figure, really. Just a great guiding light." 

In addition to his work in higher education, Hartley also served as Minister of Music in various churches in Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. He was a member of the Rotary Club, past president of the Jackson Symphony Association, a music consultant for the Jackson City Schools and a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson. Prior to Union, he was the Chairman of Fine Arts at Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the School of Music at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and was the acting Dean of the School of Music at the Seminary. He also was the Chairman of the Music Department at Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee from 1964-1969. 

Dr. Hartley is survived by his wife, Glenna Hartley of Jackson, one daughter, Anne K. Vunk of Grand Rapids, MI; two sons, Loren C. Hartley of Augusta, GA and Ken R. Hartley, Jr., of Suwanee, GA; two brothers, Dr. Howard Hartley of Wayland, MA and George Hartley of Joplin, MO; two sisters, Betty Cox of Redding, CA and Sharon Rockenback of Tucson, AZ and six grandchildren. 

"A giant has fallen in Israel," said Union President David S. Dockery of the passing of Dr. Hartley. "He was a great man with a heart for God, a passion for students and a great love for Union University. He was a valued colleague who will be missed but his contributions to the work of this place will continue on into eternity." 

The funeral service for Dr. Hartley was held Wed., June 21 at First Baptist Church in Jackson with Rev. Ken Hartley, Jr., Dr. Frank Cox and Rev. Fred Ward officiating. 

Pallbearers included Bill Wakefield, Brian Ford, Dr. Charles Fowler, Rev. Todd Brady, Dr. Michael Penny, Dr. David Dockery, Rev. Carroll Griffin and Dr. Franklin Day. The administration and faculty of Union University, the pastor, staff deacons and choir of First Baptist Church of Jackson, served as honorary pallbearers. 

Memorials should be made to 51ÉçÇø, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1050 51ÉçÇø Drive, Jackson, TN 38305. Contributions will assist in the completion of the Jennings Hall Music facility at Union University, a portion of which will be named after Dr. Hartley. Memorials can also be directed to the First Baptist Church Music Ministry. 

Dr. Joseph Blass, a voice professor who has taught at Union for more than forty years, was very close to Dr. Hartley. 

"It is impossible to sum up Ken Hartley in a few words," said Dr. Blass. "I remember his wonderful sense of humor, the warmth of his personality, the wisdom of his advice, the depth of his Christian witness... He was a true Christian gentleman, with emphasis on both of those words. But maybe most of all Ken was a teacher. Officially, he was a music teacher, but I think that music was probably the least important of the things he taught. He taught us very profound lessons about life. He did that by the example of his own life as well as by his wise counsel. He was a "people-person" who could always find time in his busy schedule to sit and talk with anyone who needed him. Sometimes the talk dealt with serious life decisions. Sometimes it just served to nourish the spirit and cultivate the sense of self-worth," said Blass. 

"There are thousands of former students and friends across the country today whose lives have been seriously impacted by contact with Ken Hartley. I am one of them."