Russell D. Hart, of Mentone, passed away at home at 7:52 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at the age of 91.
He was born in a log cabin south of Milford in Kosciusko County, on March 17, 1932. Russell was the fifth of eight children born to Opal Olive Schooley Hart and Kenneth Allan Hart where he grew up on the farm. He graduated from Pierceton High School in 1950 and was drafted into the Army on Oct. 6, 1952. He was a proud Korean War veteran and was honorably discharged on July 21, 1954, holding the rank of sergeant first class E-7. Russell was a Bronze Star recipient and was selected soldier of the month three months in a row.
On Dec. 31, 1952, he married Retha Mae Hedington. They were blessed with celebrating 70 years of marriage together before Russell passed away. During his entire life, Russell was a hard-working and reliable man. He was the founder and owner of Hart & Sons Builders and Hart’s Tree Service. He was great with his hands and was a very skilled carpenter. Russell loved to collect antique engines, loved bluegrass music as well as old traditional country music. He served as the town marshal of Mentone and enjoyed working with and helping people whenever he was able to. Russell was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many who will be dearly missed.
He leaves behind his wife, Retha Hart, Mentone; two sons, Dale Richard (Connie) Hart, Idaville; John Eugene (Becky) Hart, Mentone; six grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Jack Lee (Barbara) Hart, Nappanee; and sister, Linda Lou Penrod, Pierceton. He was preceded in death by his parents, one great-great-grandson, four brothers: Richard, John, Al and David; sister, Helen Michael.
Friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Following visitation, a procession will leave the funeral home parking lot to Palestine Cemetery, Palestine. Russell’s life will be celebrated with a graveside service officiated by Pastor Dale Hart with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49, and V.F.W. #1126, both of Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, P.O. Box 5, Huntertown, IN 46748.
Arrangements are entrusted with Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.