By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
28 Comments
    • Service

      Private graveside service

      Friday November 27, 2020

    • Full Obituary

      David Lee Hart, age 71 of Albion, IL passed from this life to life eternal, with his Savior, on November 24, 2020.

      David was born on September 17, 1949 to David L. and Dorothy (Timmons) Hart.

      After dating his high school sweetheart, they married and he and Paula (Denbo) Hart built a life centered around their faith in God, their friends and the family that was to come.

      Adding excitement to their life, they welcomed a son, Bryan and later a daughter, Kristi.

      Many years later, the pride and joy of his and Paula’s lives would arrive:  Caden, Kiley, Eli and Kayla.   David would teach them all many things, not the least of which was his love of the outdoors and hunting.  Both Bryan and Kristi and their children continue to enjoy the benefits of deer hunting; allowing the quiet and solitude to bring soul-refreshment to their busy lives.

      David was employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring as a lead worker in 2011, after 28 years.  He was a 43 year member of the Hermitage Lodge #356 and was also a member of the Scottish Rite, Belleville IL.  He was a man of many interests and talents; one was his love of music and creating jewelry using deer antlers.   David was the music worship leader for many years and realized how very important it was to usher Gods’ people into His presence by way of singing, following a hectic work week.  Recently, a member of the praise team let him know how much she appreciated his influence and had even kept a note with scripture on it that he had shared with the team, all those years ago.  David was an avid sports fan where his grandchildren were concerned and made it to as many games as schedules and his health would allow.  In recent years, David battled heart disease however he continued to be an inspiration even on days it was obvious he didn’t really feel well.  His quiet resolve, determination in the face of tremendous obstacles and his deep faith in God and love for Paula, his children and grandchildren will be kept in memory until they meet again.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and David Hart.

      Left with a lifetime of precious, precious memories are his wife, Paula of Albion, daughter Kristi (Mark) Wells, of Rineyville, KY, son Bryan (Dana) Hart of Albion, the four who love their “Pappy”:  Caden, Kiley, Eli and Kayla, his sister, Diana  (Don) Berger of Albion, and several very special nieces and nephews.

      Private services were held at Graceland Cemetery on Friday November 27th, 2020; as David wished to be remembered as he was in life.

      Memorials are encouraged to Albion 1st United Methodist Church Backpack Program and the Edwards County Senior Center.

      Fond memories and condolences may be left for the family at meridithfuneralhome.com

      Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

      During his life, David favored a special verse from the Bible; “…but those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.  David chose to soar!

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    28 Condolences
     
    1. Marla Moody / November 27, 2020 at 3:33 pm

      I am so sorry for your loss Paula Hart and family!

    2. Dennis & Lori Splittorff / November 27, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      We will remember you all in our prayers. We are so sorry..

    3. Bob and Janice Anniss / November 27, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      To Paula and Diana and families–you have our love and sympathy.

    4. Holly Mann / November 27, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      Deepest sympathy to your family, Paula. I know he was the love of your life!

    5. David,Bev,and Chloe Iles / November 27, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our prayers.

    6. Chinna Rogan / November 27, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      So sorry for the great loss for the Hart family. Bryan and Kristi you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    7. Lester and Eugenia Shaw / November 27, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      So sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in our prayers. You had 50 years of a wonderful marriage

    8. Sabrina Bazemore / November 27, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      Krisi so sorry for your lost my prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to comfort you.

    9. Mary Satava / November 27, 2020 at 5:24 pm

      Paula and family so sorry for your loss… will keep you in my prayers.

    10. Karen L Smith and Randy Smith / November 27, 2020 at 5:26 pm

      Our deepest sympathy to Paula and your families. Prayers and comfort to all at this difficult time !!

    11. Pastor Pat Allin / November 27, 2020 at 5:26 pm

      Prayers for all the family as David soars and you celebrate his life and the memories you share.

    12. Danny Lankford / November 27, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      Condolences to all of David’s family and friends. It will seem odd to not see Dave at sports events in support of his Grandkids, along with Paula.

    13. Danielle Lankford Kimbrell / November 27, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      Dear Paula and family,
      My deepest sympathies. I know he has heard the Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Eli and Caden please know that Miss Danielle is praying for you both. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a grandpa. Remember that it is for awhile.

    14. Brett & Debbie Mason / November 27, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      My dearest Paula and family, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

    15. Susan Barbee / November 27, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      So sorry Paula and family. David was such a great guy. Prayers and hugs to all

    16. Carson and Sherry / November 27, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      We are so Sorry Paula and Family! You are Very Much in our thoughts and Prayers. Love and Prayers ❤️❤️🙏🙏

    17. Pk Blake / November 27, 2020 at 8:29 pm

      So sorry for your loss Paula and family! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

    18. Noel & Wanda Madding / November 27, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      Paula,Bryan,Kristi,family
      Words can not the express the feelings that We felt when heard that David had went to his new home with Jesus. Just know we are lifting you before the Throne of God, that He may comfort you during this time in His own ways.

    19. Lynn Yates / November 28, 2020 at 5:12 am

      Paula and Family, my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    20. Ed & Esther Jones / November 28, 2020 at 4:03 pm

      Paula and family so Sorry of David passing. . He will be missed. Prayers to all of you. May David Rest In Peace. God watch over you and his family Diana & Don Berger are our best friends

    21. Larry Boewe / November 28, 2020 at 4:30 pm

      So sorry to hear of David passing. Our prayers go up for you all.

    22. Rick Lee Carlson / November 28, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      So sorry for you, and your families loss Paula. Prayers for you all.

    23. Vera Vasudevan / November 30, 2020 at 2:03 pm

      So sorry for your loss. While I never knew David, I so well recall his parents. and know this death is a loss to the community,
      Vera Bunting Vasudevan

    24. Curtis Ingram / November 30, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Sorry to hear of David’s passing.
      You have our sympathy.
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram

    25. Sherry Harder / December 1, 2020 at 6:20 am

      Paula our hearts are with you…you know Rod and I love you 10! Im so grateful to God for the chance to take a couple of mini-vacas and for every meal weve shared, miles in the car, the prayers shared and all the love…Davids deep commitment to God and to you and Bryan and Kristi, their mates and those 4 who love their ” Pappy!”💝💝💝💝… Will never be forgotten. Im so glad Rod and David got to know and enjoy their visits and times together also…our home is pretty sad right now, too…but Paula the thing i remember the most?!? All of the laughs!! Us 4 have shared so many…and we will share more…and one fine day, we’ll laugh with him on the other side!! ” Lets meet by the river”!! Til then, remember David wanted you to be strong, and remember all the good times…and i know youll do both! Please give yourself permission to laugh…David will be overjoyed to see your beautiful face, upturned to Heaven.. remembering he has left every bit of pain and suffering behind. I love you all ” moa”.💝

    26. Pastor Doug & Carol Mullins / December 2, 2020 at 5:17 am

      Paula and Family, we were so sorry to learn about David’s passing. We loved both of you so much and counted it a privilege to be your interim pastors for 10 months. We send our sympathies and condolences to you. We will keep you in our prayers for God’s sustaining grace to enfold you.

    27. Toni Satterfield / December 2, 2020 at 8:50 am

      So sorry for your loss, rest in Peace David Hart. Hugs an prayers, Paula an family.

    28. Sam Briscoe / December 3, 2020 at 9:27 pm

      So sorry to hear of Davids passing will always remember him as a great teammate in all the sports we shared from little league worlds series team thru high school sports,

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