Ensign - Arnold "Gabby" Hartnett, 87, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 at his home near Ensign, sitting in his recliner. He was born on June 3, 1924 at his grandmother Mamie Volker's farm north of Zenith, the son of Roy E. and Iva (Volker) Hartnett.

Gabby was a 1942 graduate of Ensign High School. He became a Purple Heart Veteran at the Battle of the Bulge with the 17th Army Airborne Division. After returning home, he married Bette Reese-Penrod on September 11, 1946 in Dodge City. She preceded him in death of September 17, 2008. Gabby then worked for the Ensign Co-op and Speed-King Manufacturing of Ensign before moving to the farm in 1957 where they resided since. He enjoyed bowling, water skiing, and snow skiing, as well as his grandchildren and numerous "foster"grandchildren.

He was a member of the Ensign United Methodist Church, Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. of Dodge City, and numerous other organizations.

Mr. Hartnett is survived by four sons, Bruce and Lex, both of Ensign; Mark of Dodge City, and Lonnie of Denver, Colorado; three sisters, Bonnie Rouse of Olathe, Maxine Hay of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Bethine Vice of Calpella, California; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Bette, Gabby is preceded in death by a step-daughter, Vicki Herrick; his parents; one brother, Rodney; and one sister, Phyliss McMurray.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Jerry Odle presiding. Burial will follow at Ensign Cemetery in Ensign. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Thursday, May 31, 2012 from noon to 8:00 P.M.. Memorials are suggested to the Ensign United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.