Jerry Hartwell

Gerald (Jerry) Arthur Hartwell, age 77, passed away February 8, 2026. He died in his home in Lake Arthur, Louisiana, comforted by the land that shaped his life and livelihood for most of his adult years.

Jerry was the son of Slim and Eugenie Hartwell, born into a rice and livestock farming family. He worked on the farm for many years before attending and graduating from Louisiana State University. After college, he moved to California for a period of self-discovery, but Louisiana and the farm called him back home. He returned to take over the farming business and worked on the land for 25 years. Later in life, he went back to college, earned his master's degree, and became a high school science teacher and coach, touching the lives of hundreds of students along the way.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Nash Lacombe and brother-in-law, Jimmy Pitre. He is survived by his partner of two decades, Gaye Hamilton; three daughters, Valeska French (Cynthia), Allison Hartwell, and Jamie Azios (Michael); four grandchildren, Hagen, Violet, Jude, and Vivian; and four siblings, Jean, Carolyn (Jerry), Alan, and Bill (Rhonda).

Ever conscientious and respectful of the world we share, Jerry believed in taking care of the land and the people around him. He served as an advisor for the 4-H program, supported the Arbor Day Foundation, planted countless trees, and drove his recycling to collection sites across Louisiana for many years. He also had a deep love for music and was always happy to play a record from his collection of more than 3,000 albums.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Miguez Funeral Home in Lake Arthur, LA, on Wednesday February 11, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Masonic Service will be held in the chapel at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Thursday February 12, 2026, from 8:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM, with Reverand Craig Davis officitating. Cremation will follow his service under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be held at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be be Leonard Augustus, Steven Pitre, Billy Pitre, Jason Spears, John Pitre, Dale Hollister, and honorary pallbearers will be Hagan Lacombe and Jude Azios.

Jerry's life was guided by faith and service. He served on the Wesley Foundation Board of Directors and was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church and the Masonic Order. In lieu of flowers, we request that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Wesley Foundation (UL Wesley), 238 General Garder Ave, Lafayette, LA 70501.

Finally, we are profoundly grateful to Harbor Hospice for their exceptional care, especially Desiree Scott and Renee Vincent. We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Ella and Eddie Higginbotham for the unmatched compassion, kindness, and dedication in caring for Jerry.