Donnie Joe (D.J.) Bartley, 64, of Tatum passed from this life Sunday, Dec 27 2020. D.J was born July 4, 1956 in Kountze, Texas to Marion D. and Peggy Shoates Bartley. He attended Tatum schools and resided in Tatum all of his life. Donnie lost his Father when he was three months old and he and his siblings were adopted by his paternal grandparents, Fred and Artie Hinson, who reared them until their passing.

He is preceded in death by a loving wife, Karen, who passed January 2, 2017. Parents Marion D. and Peggy Bartley. Grandparents Artie and Fred Hinson.

D.J. worked for Fluor Daniels and other contractors at the Martin Lake power plant for 40 years and rose from helper status to the title of General Foreman. He retired in 2017 to spend time with his family and loving sons and grandsons

Surviors include his sons Derek Bartley and wife Phaedra of Lake Cherokee and Michael Bartley of Tatum, Brothers Jimmy and wife Marvitta of Diana, John Bartley of Tatum, Ronnie and wife Diana Bartley of Tatum, Grandsons Lagan and Bryston Bartley of Lake Cherokee and many loving nieces and nephews and treasured friends.

Donnie lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He loved fishing, socializing, shooting pool, playing shuffleboard but true love for him was his Grandsons. He literally worshiped those boys. Taking them fishing, to the sale barn to watch cows and yes even changing dirty diapers. He leaves behind a legacy that can never be topped!

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at the Bar None Cowboy Church with Jason Taylor and Terry Lindsay officiating under the direction of Jimmerson-Lipsey funeral home. Interment will be in Harmony Hill Cemetery by the entrance to Martin Lake State Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Derek Bartley, Michael Bartley, Bo Pepper, Stanley Rosborough, R.L. Hawkins and John Newman.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.