Morris Eugene Hart, 73, Huntington, IN, passed away at 2:33 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN.
Mr. Hart was born December 2, 1942, in Indianapolis, IN, to George Elmer and Zada Mae Hart. His parents preceded him in death. Morris married Judy D. Sims on December 31, 1966. She preceded him in death on October 29, 1999. His second marriage was to Gloria (Rogers) Berry on February 12, 2001. She survives and resides in Huntington, IN.
Mr. Hart graduated from Eubank High School in 1962 and then graduated from Western Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, Louisville, KY.
In 1958, during high school, he began working in the funeral business. In 1966 he became a licensed Funeral Director. In 1972 he began working at Merckx Funeral Home and in 1974; he became a partner in Merckx-Hart Funeral Home. In 1979 he purchased the business from Ed Merckx and then changed the name of the business to Hart Funeral Home which is now known as McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home. He owned and operated Hart Funeral Home in Huntington for 28 years.
Morris attended Emmanuel Community Church, Fort Wayne, IN. He served as Huntington County Coroner, a member of Amity Lodge 483, F. and A. M., Fort Wayne Valley Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine, Huntington County Hapzim Shrine Club, Past President of Huntington Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross Board, and a District Representative of Indiana Funeral Directors Association. He was also a 30 year member of the Huntington Rotary Club and received special recognition for Perfect Attendance during his 30 year membership.
Morris was also a member of the Ageless Iron, Hart Parr Oliver Collectors Association, and Oliver Gang Tractor Club. After retirement he became an avid collector of Oliver tractors, collecting antiques and cars. He could always be found at an auction. He was also an avid bowler on a Monday night league at Rainbow Lanes for many years.
Morris never met a stranger. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly hello to everyone that he ran into.
Along with his wife, Gloria he is survived by one son, Jason (Taberly) Hart, Huntington, IN; a daughter, Beth (Chad) Hamill, Sheldon, IA; two step-sons, Scott (Laurie) Berry, Fort Wayne, IN, Michael Berry, Huntington, IN; one step-daughter, Stephanie (Todd) Bolding, Huntington, IN; a brother, Charles Kenneth Hart, Eubank, KY; 13 grandchildren, Haley Hart, Chloe Hart, Garrett Hart, Sophie Hart, Peter Hamill, Maxwell Hamill, Jane Hamill, Nick Berry, Miranda Berry, Alec Bolding, Logan Bolding, Marisa Berry and Mason Berry.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN. A Masonic Funeral Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Additional calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Community Church, 12222 US Highway 24 West, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Community Church, 12222 US Highway 24 West, Fort Wayne, IN 46814, with Pastor Bob Bruce officiating.
Burial will be Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to Shriners Hospital for Children in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN 46750.
McElhaney- Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com