David Lee Hart, 73, passed away on March 27, 2026. Born on September 24, 1952, David lived a full and dedicated life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a passion for competition.
On April 19, 1974, David married Brenda Joyce Barrow, with whom he shared over five decades of marriage. Together, they built a strong and loving family that remained the center of his life.
David is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their children: Laurie (Rob) Miller, Amy (Craig) Powell, Michael (Jenna) Hart, Sarah (Chris) White, and Brandon (Elicia) Hart. Sisters: Brenda (Mike) Geralds and Debbie Dial; brother: Jerry (Julie) Hart. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Madison (Nathan) Launay; Ava and Hendrix Draege; Talen, Carter, and Tinsley Powell; Peyton, John, and Harper Hart; Easton, Waylon, and Emmie Lee Hart; and Blake (Abeni) Miller. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Addison Miller; siblings-in-law, Jane Friend, Kay and Bob Tinsley, Sherri and Dave Lowery, Nancy and Randy Simpson, Cindy Barrow, and Kim and Keith Moss; and with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys Hart; his sisters, Diane Hart and Donna Hart; his father and mother-in-law, Elroy and Evelyn Barrow; and his brothers-in-law, Kenny Barrow and Jerry Friend.
David graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1970. He went on to become a successful business owner, founding Dave Hart Basements in 1990, for which he built a reputation for dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity.
In his later years, David rediscovered a love for athletic competition. Beginning in 2022, he competed in Senior Olympics events across 11 states, participating in 13 meets and earning an impressive 47 medals. In his age division, he achieved a 7th-place finish in the running long jump (12′ 5½”) at the United States National Senior Olympic Games in Pittsburgh, PA, and set new state records in Alaska in the standing long jump (7′ 6.5″), running long jump (11′ 8.16″), and shot put (30′ 6.93″)-accomplishments that reflected his determination and competitive spirit.
David will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for family, and his drive to excel in all he pursued. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.
Pallbearers will be Michael Hart, Brandon Hart, Carter Powell, Hendrix Draege, John Hart, and Rob Miller.
A Visitation will be held Monday, March 30, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Fouts Christian Church in Centralia, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jerry Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Fouts Cemetery in Centralia.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.