Charlie Hart

BRAIDWOOD—Charlie Hart, 83, of Braidwood and formerly of Westchester, IL, passed away Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 at Morris Hospital.
Born Oct. 3, 1937 in Waukesha, WI, Charles Owen was a son of Francis “Frank” and Ida Elizabeth (Bolland) Hart. He moved to Westchester at an early age with his family where he was raised and educated. Charlie graduated from Proviso High School with the class of 1955 and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army. On Oct. 30, 1960, Charlie married Karen Compton in Westchester and together they made their home and raised their family in Westchester until moving to Braidwood after his retirement.
Charlie worked as a lineman for Commonwealth Edison and retired after 37 years of faithful service. He was a charter member of Westchester Community Church; belonged to CECO Recreation Club, where he served on the board for more than 25 years; was a member of Midwest Street Rod Association (MSRA) and was currently serving on the council for the City of Braidwood.
One who truly enjoyed being retired, Charlie remained active with various hobbies. He was an avid purist woodworker, who leaves behind countless handmade white oak pieces both big and small. In addition he cherished his ‘32 Ford three window coupe street rod, and took pleasure in being in the yard and gardening. Charlie will be missed over early morning coffee meetings with the guys, and afternoon beers.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Karen; son, David (Tina) Hart, of Port Orchard, WA; two daughters, Julie Hart, of Wilmington and Tracy (Jeffrey) Markey, of Westchester; eight grandchildren: Katelin (Colt) Monroe, of Wilmington; Christine (Damien) O’Brien, of Australia; Martin Patrick, of Kentucky; Bobby Markey and Olivia Markey, both of Westchester and Tad Campbell, Zachary Campbell and Hanna Campbell, all of Washington; three great-grandchildren: Revan, Luke and Anabelle; one brother, Jon (Betty) Hart, of Sun City, AZ; four brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; one niece, Elizabeth (Kevin) Drum and nephew, Peter (Linda) Hart, in addition to more than 100 nieces and nephews on Karen’s side of the family; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as cousins including his cousin, Jim Hart, of Oquawka, IL who was like a brother to Charlie.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Brian Hart on Nov. 5, 2013.
Per Charlie’s wishes, green flameless cremation rites have been accorded.
Due to the current restrictions of the pandemic, a private family memorial service will be held at Coal City United Methodist Church with Reverend Brad Shumaker officiating.
Those wishing to participate in Charlie’s memorial are welcome to join the live streamed service available on Charlie’s memorial page, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m.
Charlie will be laid to rest in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood with full military honors at a later date.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Charlie’s memory to Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., Westchester, IL 60154 or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guestbook, upload photographs, join the live stream memorial, and share Charlie’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Charlie-Hart
Green flameless cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.

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