Lester Franklin Hart, 96, of Hagerstown, passed away Friday, October 24, 2014 at Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village, in Boonsboro.
Born July 4, 1918 in Big Pool, he was the son of the late James Franklin and Ida Elizabeth (McLucas) Hart.
Lester was a 1936 graduate of Hagerstown High School.
He was a proud veteran of the US Army during WWII Lester was in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy, where he was wounded. He received several decorations which includes a Purple Heart Medal, a WWII Victory Ribbon, a European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, an American Theater Service Ribbon; and a Good Conduct Medal.
Lester retired as an insurance adjuster from Allstate in 1980. Prior to that he was a service manager for Haslackers Chrysler dealership and Middlekauff Motors.
He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he also participated in the Friendship Men's class for Sunday school; Amvets Post 10; American Legion Post 42; Wounded Warriors Program; and the last remaining charter member of the Washington County Chapter Izaak Walton League of America. He was also a member of the WWII Roundtable and a state champion of casting in Pangborn Park.
Lester was an avid hunter and fisherman and especially enjoyed taking hunting trips out west to Wyoming to enjoy his passion. He also liked to garden and was the best at everything he did!
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kathleen Elaine (Lowery) Hart; a son, Denny L. Hart and wife Kimberly K. of Boonsboro; a daughter, Sharon L. Cooper and husband Denny E. of Greencastle; a stepson, Sidney L. Emerick and wife Sharon of Hyndman, PA; a brother, Don R. Hart and wife Virginia of FL; seven grandchildren, Steve Myers and wife Elizabeth of CA, Kerry Myers of Hagerstown, Cassie Bellamy of Arizona, Dawn Shupp and husband Greg of Greencastle, Matthew Hart and Stephanie of Greencastle, Scott Hart and Steph of Brunswick, Todd C. Emerick and wife Wendy of FL; two sister-in-laws, Sandra Mowery and husband John of Hyndman, PA, Mary Lowery of MI; 9 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Betty Lucille (Stoner) Hart; a daughter, Carolyn Lee Cummings; two brothers, Roy T. and Harold J. Hart; and a brother-in-law, Clyde Lowery.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Rest Haven Funeral Chapel, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown. Interment will follow with military honors.
Friends will be received from 6-8pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lester's name to: Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.
www.rsthvn.com
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