John Hart Funeral

Good afternoon. Welcome, we are so grateful you are here today. On behalf of all the family, thank you for being here today to celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of John Hart. A man who lived life to the fullest in service to others. A kind man who leaves us with a lasting legacy of love, faith, and perseverance. Today as we remember and we grieve, but we do not grieve without hope we think of this picture of heaven that is painted in revelation....

Rev

The New International Version Chapter 21

Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ u or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

Pray

John Marcus Hart, Jr., 83, of Kokomo, passed away 9:05 a.m. Friday June 3, 2022, at Northwoods Village in Kokomo. He was born at home in Anderson on December 29, 1938, the son of the late John Marcus Hart, Sr. and HuWeen Veleta Zellar Hart.

John was one of sixth kids and the oldest boy. As kid John loved to go to Edgewood park, the Anderson airport, and he loved to play sports. In factor John would have a lifelong love of sports…from softball, to table tennis, and basketball which I am told he had an incredible hook shot. Actually I can remember many times I would hear dribbling in the church when I thought I was there by myself, and I would walk in to find John shooting hoops.

John had a wonderful childhood, growing up in Park place church of god. And working on radios and such with his Dad.

I now want to invited John’s brother Robert Hart to come and share about his brother.

Thank you Robert.

John has been blessed to have many friends and loved ones but all pal in comparison to his love he had for his wife Dorothy.

Two met while in High school being in band but it was in orchestra that they really got to know each other. Their first date was a hayride with Dorothys youth group and their second date....a hayride with John’s youth group.

On June 11, 1959, he married Dorothy A. Hill at Park Place Church of God in Anderson.

Together the built a beautiful life together. Dorothy appreciated that John treated her as an equal with great love and respect. I know John always spoke so highly of Dorothy and you could see in his eyes when Dorothy walked in the room his love he had for her.

I now want to invite up Dorothy’s brother George Hill to come share a few words about John.

Thank you George, as I said before John and Dorothy together built a wonderful life together, with their greatest accomplishment being their four wonderful children....Terri, Becky, John, and Melody. I know without a shadow of a doubt that you were his pride and joy, he would talk about you often…share about your accomplishments, character, and your families. Above all I also know he was a prayer warrior for you always. Over the last few years we would talk about even though his body wouldn’t allow him to do all that he might want, he could still pray, especially for his loved ones.

I now want to invite up his daughter becky and son-inlaw Allen to share, followed by his daughter Melody.

Thank you for the wonderful tributes to your father.

John was a man with a deep faith in Jesus who loved and served his church well. It was at the end of an evening service at Park place church of god, while pastor Dale Oldham had preached and invited those to the alter, that John surrendered his heart to Jesus, then later in 1954 in Portland, OR at the IYC John would dedicate his life to serving the Lord. And that he did…John has been a worship leader, elder, treasure, usher, committee member, among other things....and John has lead building campaigns three times…including leading the project of the builiding we sit in together. As a pastor and a member of his church, I want to say we owe a giant debt of gratitude to John and his leadership…incredible life changing ministry happens here, and John has been instrumental in making that happen.

I now want to invite up and friend and former pastor of Johns, Pastor Ron Crump to share about John.

Thank you Pastor Crump!

If you spent any time with John you know that he had a great love and passion for music. An excellent trombone and euphonium player. John got his first trombone when he was 11 years old and began taking lesson first from his uncle Jim. His first solo he ever performed was at Park Place School in Anderson and he played the piece “I ‘ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts.”

John would use his musical gifts to bless his family and friends, church, and his community. Over the years John played in many groups such as the Kokomo Symphony, Kokomo Chamber Brass, Kokomo Civic Theatre Pit Orchestra, Delco Brass, and the Kokomo Park Band to to name a few.

I now want to invite up one of Johns dearest friends and bandmate, Bill Row, aka Tuba Bill.

Thank you Bill! I think equal only to his love and pride that he had for his kids was his pride and joy that came from his title as grandpa to his nine grandchildren. He loved and was so proud of Kirk, Mark, Taylor, Delaney, JR, Sammy, Scotty, Katie, and Hannah.

He would beam with pride in your accomplishments and the people you have become and continue to become.

I now want to invite John’s grandson Taylor to share on behalf of the grandchildren.

Scott sharing scripture

Song by Dana

Part of today is allowing ourselves to be honest with God about grief, frustrations, and even anger. the really great news is that He is not afraid of the feelings we have. In fact in the midst of our pain He gives us the gift of His presence and understanding.

PSalm

The New International Version Psalm 34

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Matthew

The New International Version Chapter 5

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

I believe that with my whole heart. That will grief will be a journey. One we wouldn't choose and will not like, but we can take comfort in the fact that you don’t face it alone.

John in a similar way was a man of faith who loved to build things. Whether it was a a garage, a church, or just his incredible legacy.

Philippians

The New International Version Chapter 4

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I believe that is one of the greatest desires God has for you today, that you would find peace. That you would find peace in this world and that you would be with Him in the next.

But today we do not want to grieve without hope because we know the life that John built with Jesus and we know where he is.

As I met with the family this week, John’s oldest daughter Terri made a great comparison. Her Dad shared much in common with the biblical hero Nehemiah.If you don’t know his story here is what it is.....

Nehemiah was a Hebrew in Persia when the word reached him that the Temple in Jerusalem was being reconstructed. He grew anxious knowing there was no wall to protect the city. Nehemiah invited God to use him to save the city. God answered his prayer by softening the heart of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who gave not only his blessing, but also supplies to be used in the project. Nehemiah is given permission by the king to return to Jerusalem, where he is made governor. In spite of opposition and accusations the wall was built and the enemies silenced. The people, inspired by Nehemiah, give tithes of much money, supplies, and manpower to complete the wall in a remarkable 52 days, despite much opposition.

John

The New International Version Chapter 14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4

Again this is for all people. This is a generous love. And its a love that casts out all fear.

You see Johns faith was central to his life and his ability to feel blessed when it didnt seem like his circumstances would reflect that he was blessed.

John 3:16-17

The New International Version Chapter 3

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Again Jesus came into this world to save you and me, So we could have a better present and an ultimate future with Him, like John.

John

The New International Version Chapter 11

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

No matter who you are and where you come from you are invited to experience this new life in Jesus.

Today I take comfort and have joy thinking about how John is in heaven…he has been made new…free of pain, suffering, and worry.

He is whole. And he is at rest with Jesus his shepherd and his savior.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside cquiet waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He guides me in the cpaths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will bdwell in the house of the LORD forever.

John lived the good life. He trusted Jesus, he submitted to Jesus, and he was saved by Jesus.

John Hart, well done good and faithful servant.

Pray

Listen to this beautiful song that was arranged by John’s daughter Becky.