Russell D. Hart

Russell D. Hart of Mentone, Indiana passed away at home at 7:52 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the age of 91.

He was born in a log cabin south of Milford in Kosciusko County, Indiana on March 17, 1932.  Russell was the 5th 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 October 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 December 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 Marshall 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, IN); two sons, Dale Richard (Connie) Hart (Idaville, IN); John Eugene (Becky) Hart (Mentone, IN); six grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his brother, Jack Lee (Barbara) Hart (Nappanee, IN); and sister, Linda Lou Penrod (Pierceton, IN).  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 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  Following visitation, a procession will leave the funeral home parking lot to Palestine Cemetery, Palestine, Indiana.  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. 

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