Lester Leroy Hart, age 80, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. He was born November 11, 1931 in Hitchcock, South Dakota to Joseph and Edith (Avery) Hart who passed away when Lester was a young child. Lester was raised by his Aunt Clara (Mom) and Uncle Roy Hart (Dad).
Lester grew up in South Dakota and in 1951 he was married to Margaret Bruer in Huron, South Dakota. In 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps serving during the Korean Conflict where he was wounded thereby receiving the Purple Heart Medal and the Korean Service Medal with two stars. After his discharge, Lester moved to Minnesota in 1956 and resided there until moving to Skagit County in 1965.
Lester worked as a certificated heavy duty mechanic in the trucking industry for many years. He enjoyed playing pool with various pool leagues, fishing and he loved to travel. In 1992, Margaret passed away and on March 17, 2002 he was married to Mary Hart in Sedro-Woolley. Lester was a member of George Baldridge Post #43 American Legion.
He is survived by his wife Mary Hart of Sedro-Woolley. His son, Danny Hart of Oak Harbor and four daughters, Laurie Pudlik and her husband Jeffrey of Sedro-Woolley, Mary Hart and her fiancee Rual Negron of Marysville, Eileen King and her husband Scott and Tracey Tomlin all of Oak Harbor. Three step-children, Cheryl Jensen of Sedro-Woolley, Carl Hart Sr. and his wife Evette of Enumclaw, and Brian Hart of Puyallup. Five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. His sisters, Jean Cooper of Lexington, NC, Karen Sieber and her husband Gary of Bath, SD and Anita Rawstern of Huron SD and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lester was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Margaret,an infant daughter, Baby Girl Hart, a sister, Wilma Stanek and a brother, Arwayne Hart.
Graveside Memorial Inurnment Services will be held on Friday, April 6, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with Pastor Jim Cannon of Christ the King Church officiating with full military honors to follow. A reception will follow the services at the Legion Hall. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley for the special love and care that was given to Lester. Memorials are suggested to the Heart Fund. Arrangements and Services are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Just a note to let all of Uncle Lester’s family and friends, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow, but you know he would not have wanted us to cry but laugh, for he has gone on to a better and more peaceful place. Mary, love you bunches, and Andy and I are so sorry that we live so far away and could not make the trip to be with you at this time, but know that we are here if you should ever need to talk, I will miss those crazy jokes and emails of weird photos that Uncle Lester use to send us and will always remember his smile, always had on even when he did not feel so good, love all of you and hope to hear from you soon, love Andy and Debbie Cooper
Lester was a very special brother, he was always their for Wilma (our sister) and myself. He always listened to what I had to say. I live 3000 miles away and couldn’t be their for my brother, but really enjoyed all the phone calls and his visits were the greatest. He always wanted to go to Cracker Barrel when he visited me here in Lexington, NC. My sweet brother always did for everyone, no one was a stranger in his eyes. I will always have the memories and will always remember his jokes, boy could he tell some jokes. Just thinking of his jokes puts a smile on my face. My brother always had a smile on his face, I can’t think of anything that would make him frown. He was a very loving man. Since the passing of my brother, I have sat and thought of all the good times and great memories that we shared as children and continued to share great memories as adults. I loved him very dearly and it gives me great pleasure knowing that my brother is getting to be with his family in heaven. Thank you Mary for all that you have done for my brother, I think of you like a sister and love you very much. May god bless you in your time of need. Lester, May you rest in peace, my sweet brother. Even though I miss you very much, I know that you are in a better place and that you are happier in heaven.
Your loving sister,
Jean
God Bless You
Lester ran the concession stand at our auctions for many years. We knew we could always count on him to be there no matter how far away or what the weather was.
My kids loved Lester – he was always slipping them treats behind our backs. What a great man.
I am sorry to hear he is no longer with us.
“The Hart Family”
I am at a loss for adequate words to express my sadness for the loss of such a wonderful person as Uncle Lester. I know that heaven just received one of the most special angels. God has you in his arms. I have you in my heart. The world will be a sadder place without him in it. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rest Safely and Securely in God’s Loving Arms
Mary I am so sorry for Les’s passing he was such a great man with an amazing out look on life. I always loved seeing u two and always knew Les would have a silly joke for me. R.I.P Lester may u now rest in peace and see u again
My greetings and sincerest thanks to all who have signed in and offered such nice comments at this most grievous time. Your comments have lifted our spirits and are much appreciated. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Lester’s natural children and express my deepest regrets at your loss. Lester was a second father to me and he treated me as one of his own. That meant more to me than I can express in words, and I share your loss as my own. Lester will truly be missed. Rest In Peace, Lester Leroy Hart, you deserve the very best, and the memories of you are honored ones. My sincerest ‘thanks again’ to all, Brian
Go with God, dear old friend. You will be sadly missed by all of our family. Our condolences to your family. Joan Meacham and Family
Dan sorry of hearing of lesters passing, i will always remember the great “pipcorn” he made and all the times i lost to him playing pool. Opy
Les will be remembered by a lot of his friends ,, as gone but not to be forgotten,, He shall be missed at the coffee meeting “BULL SESIONS, I recall the many times he anwsered questions as to car problems , his wit will not be forgotten eather his jokes and coments , So long O’buddy we shall met up again
Sorry to hear about Les’ passing.
I am glad to have known you both.
we had some good times, and I will always remember.
I am going to miss the fishing.
I think about you guys often.
Bill Hunholz
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. At times like this we wish so many miles did not seperate us. Mary, we so enjoyed the visit last summer with Lester, Cheryl and you. I am so glad that Lester is being buried with full military honors. He certainly deserves that for all he gave this country. Wish we could be there to give you a hug, but know we are thinking of you. Karen & Gary Sieber