WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Thomas Joe Hart, 83, of Ada, and formerly of Caledonia, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, following an extended illness.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Lauderdale County, Ala., a son of Joseph Henry and Minnie Myrtle (Austin) Hart. He had been a resident of Calendonia for 10 years, coming from Auburn, Ind., and also lived in Vicksburg, White Pigeon and, early in his life, Alabama.
On Oct. 30, 1954, he married Eleanor Jean Blankenship in White Pigeon. She preceded him in death May 10, 2006.
He was employed at Folding Carton Business most of his life, last employed at the Auburn, Ind., Packaging Company, and was manager of Rockford Paper Mill, Sturgis Carton, Kirsch Co., and owner of two other carton companies.
He attended the United Methodist and Baptist churches. He enjoyed working with his hands, woodworking, repairing items, building his own homes, gardening and his John Deere tractor.
Surviving are a son, Thomas Joe Hart II of Byron Center; three daughters, Elizabeth Joan (Jack) Boyko of Ada, Brenda Jayne (Jerry) Stenstrom of Schoolcraft, and Lori Jeanine (Dave) Meisner of Scotts; nine grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two sisters, Nora Ford of White Pigeon and Virginia White of Florence, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Melvin Hart.
Visitation is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Scott Manning of the United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will take place in White Pigeon Township Cemetery.
