Obit: Shartle was Hermitage Farm Manager Over 30 Years

Former longtime Hermitage Farm manager Thomas E. Shartle—more commonly known as "Shartle" to his friends—died at age 85 on Aug. 16.

Shartle was born to Naomi and Harry Shartle in Middletown, Ohio, in 1934. From a young age it was evident that horses were going to play a key role in his life. After graduating high school he boarded a bus headed towards the Bluegrass State and never looked back. Once he arrived in Lexington he quickly went to work and never stopped. His first job there was with the famous Calumet Farm where he found himself under the wing of Hall of Fame trainer Ben Jones.

Shartle spent most of his years under another famous Jones, Warner Jones, at Hermitage Farm in Goshen, Ky., where he served as the farm manager for over 30 years. As farm manager for Warner Jones, he oversaw the preparation and sale of Seattle Dancer for $13.1 million at the 1985 Keeneland July Sales, a yearling sales record that still stands. He also managed the $32 million Hermitage dispersal in 1987 and raised over 100 stakes winners for Hermitage owners Warner Jones and Carl Pollard.

After retiring Shartle remained in the horse industry as a trainer and as the owner of Shartle Horse Transport. He will be remembered for his work ethic, honesty, strong personality, and hands the same size as his heart.

He is survived by his four children Suzy Hershey (Michael), Tony Shartle, Mindy Sather (Todd), and T.J. Shartle. He also leaves behind five grandchildren Natalie, Olivia, Lulu Hershey, and Brody and Gage Sather.

A memorial service was held Aug. 22 at Hermitage Farm.