John Robert Hartley Sr., 68, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 21, 2026. John was born on August 30, 1957, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to John Lawrence Hartley, Sr. and Evelyn Roberta Hart. His mother later remarried and his stepfather, Floyd Arneson, served in the United States Air Force. As a military family, they were stationed at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida, before moving to Hahn Air Base in Germany in 1969. While overseas, John was a member of the Hahn Hawks football team, where he played center. The family later settled at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana, where John made the Shreveport/Bossier area his lifelong home.

John graduated from Airline High School in 1975. Following graduation, he worked in restaurant management for several years before beginning a career insulating homes with Construction Insulators. He was a proud 25-year member of The Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free & Accepted Masons, Atkins Lodge No. 266. John was also a faithful member of Word of God Ministries and a supporter of the Jerusalem Prayer Team.

Above all, John was a devoted and beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved the Lord, praise and worship, football, and most of all, gathering with family and friends. He had a special gift for bringing people together around the table, especially when gumbo was on the menu. He was funny, strong-willed, and overflowing with love. Throughout his life, he fully embraced fatherhood and helped raise many children. He found his greatest purpose and joy in guiding and caring for every child who called him Dad, always pouring his heart into them.

He was preceded in death by his father, John L. Hartley, Sr.; his mother, Evelyn R. Hart Arneson; his sisters, Tina Miller and Lennie Shepherd (Charm); his son, Brett Parker; his granddaughter, Heaven Weed; and his great-grandson, Grayson Hartley.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ivonne Tanod Hartley; his children, Chasity Weed and husband Bradley, John Hartley, Jr. (Bobby) and wife Michelle, Amanda Henderson and husband Tad, and Shelby Ewing and husband Joshua; his stepchildren, S. Virginia, Febryllian A. E., and Albern G. E.; his siblings, John Raymond, Brian, Pam, Bill, and John Lawrence, Jr.; grandchildren, Gage Hartley and wife Paige, Darren and Blake Schneider, Chase, Dustin, and Colten Parker, Kynli Ellis, Hayley Henderson, Jaxon Hartley, and Charlotte Chrysandra A.; and great-grandchildren, Isabella Fondren, Mackenzie Garrett, Kayden Hartley, Waylon Roth, Hayden, Hudson, and Hollis Parker.

A memorial service will be led by Pastor Donald Wright and held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Waterloo #1 Baptist Church, 115 Old Highway 71, Elm Grove, Louisiana 71051. The family will host a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at the pavilion at Red River South Marina and Resort.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.