Samuel DeVon Hartzell Jr. (Sonny): ‘He loved to laugh and make others laugh’

This section includes both obituaries and memories. Honoring our loved ones who have died does not end immediately after their passing. We recognize that… so we’re extending our obituary section to include individuals who may have left a long time ago. If you want to remember someone who is gone, either recently or longer ago, please send a photo and a few sentences to [email protected].

Samuel DeVon Hartzell Jr. (Sonny)After fighting a long battle of illnesses; Sonny passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California on September 17th. He was the son of DeVon Hartzell & Bobbie Pogue, born in Garberville, California, living his entire life in the Southern Humboldt area.

He was a highly skilled and avid carpenter trained by his father DeVon, a general contractor, when he was just a teenager. Though never attending architect school, he could draw out blue prints for a home and also additions.

Sonny was the joker, story teller, of the family. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. Sonny‘s laughter was incredibly contagious; he would tell a wild story and everyone in the room would have stomach ache from laughing so much. He will be missed by all that was fortunate enough to know him.

Family was his everything. Sonny is survived by 3 of his 4 children, his son Samuel “DeVon” Hartzell 111 of Willows, CA. Daughters Jenna & Kelsey Hartzell both of Myers Flat, CA. His three sisters Vonai Graham of Garberville, CA., Brenda Carpenter of Weott, CA., and Lisa Wheeler of Redway, CA. Three brothers Georgie Sutherland of Miranda, CA., Rick Sutherland of Fortuna, CA., & Galen Hartzell of Eugene, Oregon. His step siblings Kelli Parker of Alaska, Kent Sanford of Gold Hill, OR., Michael Pogue of Weott, CA., James Pogue of Myers Flat, CA. Three grandchildren, grandson Ryder Robinson of Myers Flat, CA., grand daughters Lillian & Sunny Hartzell of Willows, CA. He also leaves behind his step-father George Sutherland of Rio Dell; many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, & friends that will forever miss him.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents DeVon Hartzell & Bobbie Pogue, and his son Sean Duane Hartzell.

A Graveside service was held Saturday, September 22nd at the Garberville Cemetery at 1 PM, where he was laid to rest by both his parents. His Pall bearers are his son DeVon Hartzell, brothers Rick Sutherland, Georgie Sutherland, and Galen Hartzell, brother in law RC Carpenter, cousins Rich Jones & Denny Parker, and step-dad George Sutherland.

A potluck celebration of life was held immediately following at Firehall in Phillipsville, California. 

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
neverlayup
Guest
neverlayup
5 years ago

sounds like this guy had a prosperous happy life! God bless!

good friends and family too

Mogtx
Guest
5 years ago

RIP you deserve it.condolences to all affected.

Tara Sutherland
Guest
Tara Sutherland
5 years ago

My Uncle was a one of a kind And will be missed terribly!

Diana
Guest
Diana
5 years ago

His memory will live on through all who new and loved him.

It was a wonderful memorial.

Carolee Gossien
Guest
Carolee Gossien
5 years ago

Sonny was definitely loved by all & will be missed. RIP Cousin ❤️

Butch
Guest
Butch
5 years ago

Condolences to Brenda, Vonai and the rest of the family. My all time favorite story of Sonny’s, was the magic plywood ride. Anyone who knew Sonny has probably heard that one. R.I.P. o’l friend