John Henry Hartin

John Henry Hartin, beloved educator, musician, husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away on January 29, 2026, in Levelland, Texas, at the age of 83.

John was born on October 26, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas. Music shaped his life from an early age and became both his vocation and his legacy. He proudly served in the United States Navy Reserves and shared his love of music as a member of the Navy Band. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff University and a master’s degree from Wayland Baptist University, preparing him for a lifetime of teaching, performing, and mentoring.

For nearly three decades, John served at South Plains College in Levelland, where he was instrumental in founding and developing the Commercial Music Program. As Chair of the Creative Arts Department, he helped establish one of the most respected commercial music programs in the world.

After retiring from full-time teaching at SPC, he continued teaching privately at Texas Music Supply, a music store he co-owned on the square in downtown Levelland (where he was sure to talk you into buying something whether you needed it or not). He was a pioneer in instructional music videos creating Texas Music & Video in the 1980s.

He performed with countless bands, all over the country, living a life most of us only hear stories about. He was an author for Mel Bay and a member of the Mel Bay Advisory Board. Through his vision and leadership, countless students gained not only musical skill but confidence, discipline, and a deep respect for musical tradition.

John has been honored for his contributions, including induction into the West Texas Walk of Fame in 1998. He was inducted into both the Nebraska Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Iowa Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. He was the recipient of the SPC Excellence in Teaching award. In Levelland’s community awards, John and collaborator Lonnie Joe Howell were named “Main Street Heroes” for their cultural contributions.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Parish in Levelland for more than 50 years, where he also led musical services, and Downtown Men’s Bible Class.

John was married to the love of his life, Patty Hartin, for more than 52 years.

He was a devoted father to five children: Lisa (Dan) Hartin-Pasco of Seattle, Washington; John (Lesli) Hartin Jr. of Trophy Club, Texas; Gordon Hartin of Durham, North Carolina; Chester (Crystal) Hartin of Old Saybrook, Connecticut; and Christy Hartin (Jeremy) Steen of Lubbock, Texas. John was a proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Isaac, Alexandra, Sam, Chazzi, Eleanor, Cherokee, and Izzy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Gordon Hartin, and his brother, Daniel Hartin. He is survived by his wife, Patty Hartin; his children and grandchildren; his sister, Mary (Fred) Linder of West Des Moines, Iowa; and his brother, Billy (Jill) Hartin of Austin, Texas; along with a wide circle of former students, colleagues, and friends who were forever changed by his kindness and passion for music. John’s legacy lives on through the generations he taught, the programs he built, and the family he cherished. His life was a testament to the enduring power of music, education, and love.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Interim Health Care, Interim Hospice and the incredible doctors, nurses and staff at Covenant Levelland for their compassionate care during John’s final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Hartin Memorial Scholarship, established to support students in the Commercial Music Department at South Plains College.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111