Robert Allen Hart

Robert Allen Hart, 79, of Coloma, passed away on January 8, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center – St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life will take place on January 13, 2017at 11 AM at Salem Lutheran Church, 275 Marvin St., Coloma, with Pastor Carl Bassett officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Garden, Coloma. Friends may visit with the family on January 12, 2017 from 5 PM until 8 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Robert was born on October 5, 1937, in St. Joseph to Kenneth Hart & Winiford Darling. During 1956 until 1958, Robert proudly served our country in the United States Navy serving on the USS Saratoga, then in the reserves until honorably discharged in 1963. On April 25, 1959, he married the love of his life, Betty Smikle, in St. Joseph. For 20 years, he worked at Paramount Dye Cast as a lift truck driver. After Paramount shut down, Robert worked for and retired from Gast Manufacturing as an assembler. He was known to be quite the collector, attending flea markets and antique shows with his family was one of his favorite hobbies.  Robert also enjoyed watching movies, wood working and being a member at Salem Lutheran Church. What brought Robert the most joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an incredible man who will be missed dearly by all. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Betty; children, Kenneth Allan Hart of Coloma, Randolph Steven (Silvia) Hart of Oklahoma, Paul Herbert (Pam) Hart of Benton Harbor and John Phillip (Michelle) Hart of Coloma; 8 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Diana Leet, Dwayne (Bonita) Hart and Richard Hart. Robert was preceded in death by his father Kenneth (Evelyn) Hart; mother, Winiford Darling; and brother, Ronald Hart.