Henry Darwyn Hart

Henry Darwyn Hart of Bartlett, TN, born in Tupelo, MS on May 18, 1935, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2016 at Baptist Hospice House. He leaves his 2 children, Marilyn Vatter of Germantown, TN and William Hart (wife Mimi) of Phoenix, AZ, wife of 23 years, Francine Williams Hart of Bartlett, TN, 3 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, a brother, Joe Hart (wife, Barbara), 2 sisters, Jane Needham and Ann Styles, and many nieces and nephews. Extended family includes Frances Taylor Hart, Jack Vatter, Robert Bosi, Jr., William Bosi, Bradley Bosi, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. He graduated Cum Laude with a Civil Engineering Degree from Memphis State University. After successfully managing his own firm, Hart Engineering, he retired and earned a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Memphis. He wrote columns regularly for The Bartlett Express, Germantown News, and The Collierville Herald. He was an accomplished photographer, with many of his own pictures accompanying his columns. Dementia affected him during his final 15 years, followed by several strokes, robbing him of his goal to teach math and stifling his expert computer science skills. Being an avid reader with a great mind, he held much obscure knowledge that amazed and amused family, friends, and associates. Henry’s wittiness and dry humor commanded everyone’s interest. He was known for saying something that would make you feel better for just having been with him, leaving you with a warm smile. His humbleness prevented him from realizing his truly positive influence on his family. He was a former deacon at Leawood Baptist Church, and later became a member at Faith Baptist Church. Visitation is Sunday, 2 to 3 pm at Family Funeral Care on Summer Ave, followed immediately by a memorial service. Service and burial will be Monday in Lexington, TN, where he spent his early years and visited frequently during adulthood. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Reynolds Hospice House, 1520 W. Poplar, Collierville, TN 38017 or The Union Mission, 383 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences can be made at familyfuneralmemphis.com.