Donald James Hart, 87, of Merkel, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, October 17th, in the presence of his loving children. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Starbuck Funeral Home, 201 Edwards in Merkel. Funeral sevices will be 10:30 AM Friday, October 20, 2017 at First Baptist Church, 301 Locust in Merkel with burial in Tuscola Cemetery.

Don was born July 30, 1930, in Eastland, TX, to Lawrence and Nina Hart. He graduated from Eastland High School in 1948 and went to attend Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, he was a member of Texas Tech Saddle Tramps, graduating in 1952 with B.S. degree in Agricultural Education. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-54 where he was stationed in Guam. He married Minnie Mae (Mitzi) Billingsley November 26, 1955, and celebrated 59 years of marriage before her passing in 2014. He then receieved his Masters Degree in Economics from Hardin-Simmons University in 1961.

Don lived a life of service, not only to his country and community, but most importantly to his family, caring for his ailing father, and by opening his heart and home to Mitzi's mother and two aunts. He was a constant source of love and patience for his children Andy Don Hart and wife Netta of Merkel; Lesa Crosswhite and husband Randal of Abilene; for his grandchildren Stephani Gardner and husband Breck; Sheena Teel; Christopher Hart and wife Samantha; Staci Bitner and husband Dirk; Preston Teel and wife Brenna; Heather Stringer and husband Lee; Stacey Guevara and husband Matt; Jon Crosswhite, and 12 great grandchildren.

He began his carrer as an agricultural representative, advanced to Public Relations Director for the Coleman County Electric Cooperative, and to assistant manager of Erath Country Electric Cooperative. He became the manager of Taylor Electric Cooperative in 1971, retiring in 1996. During his tenure there, he served as Texas Electric Cooperative Board member, served on the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), and was invited by President Jimmy Carter to serve on his advisory board. Don was also active in 4-H Club and FFA and received various awards on local, district, and state levels. Other positions he held included: President of Kiawanis Club in Coleman and Stephenville; Cub Scout Master in Coleman and Stephenville; President of Merkel Lions Club; President off Merkel Chamber of Commerce; Vice-President of Merkel School Board; and President of Merkel Economic Corporation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mitzi Billingsley Hart, and siblings Jane Riggs, Walker Hart, and Ed Hart. The family wishes to give special thanks to friend and caregiver Lugenia Guenther Ramirez and to the Adult 3 Sunday School Class at First Baptist Merkel.

The family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Merkel.

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