PEORIA - Dr. William "Bill" Hamilton Hart, 95, of Peoria passed away and was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria.
Bill was born on April 10, 1919, in Peoria, Ill., to Roscoe Dean and Grace Pearce Hart. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Peoria. He married Virginia S. Fangrat in 1943. Together, they raised five children and in 1970 decided to increase their family by adopting a son and daughter from Vietnam. In 1982, he married Jeanette A. McCammon.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; and his six children, Ginny (Jerry) Halverson of East Peoria, Diane (Dick) Hofer of Princeville, Debbie (Tom) Mead of Peoria, Patty (Frank) Howell of Argyle, Texas, Tim (Chris) Hart of Peoria and Kim (Mark) Barrick of Peoria. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister; his son, William; and his grandson, Jordan Barrick.
Upon graduation from Peoria High School, Bill entered Bradley University. He later transferred to the University of Illinois and received his medical training at the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago. Bill's education was interrupted during World War II, when he was called to serve in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army. He was stationed in England and Germany. After the war, he completed his internship and residency in general surgery.
He went into private practice with Dr. Loren Whittaker, forming Whittaker and Hart Surgical Associates, and remained in practice for 43 years. His entire life was dedicated to helping others. He served with his brother, Dr. Robert D. Hart, as Peoria High's team physician for 43 years, and was honored as the first co-recipient of the Team Physician Award for service rendered to high school teams of Illinois. He also developed and implemented the first academically based EMT training program in the Peoria area.
After retirement, Bill remained involved in various community activities, including the Red Cross and the District 150 mentoring program. His participation continued into his 90s.
Visitation will be held at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home, located at 428 W. McClure Ave., in Peoria, on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, from 4 to 8 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or the American Heart Association.
Bill's online memorial may be viewed at www.hurdfamilyfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeanette and family of Dr.Bill.
So very sorry to here of this bad news. He was always such a joyful person. He will be missed. Sorry I won't be able to come to the memorial service tonight. Love, Helen
Helen McCallum
April 29, 2014
Thinking of Bill and have many wonderful memories.
Susi and Biff Barry
April 28, 2014
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
April 28, 2014
To the family...I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughtand prayers. Doc was one of my favorite patients and I enjoyed taking care of him.
Paula B
April 28, 2014
Girls and Tim,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. We remember him always laughing and enjoying life when we were in his presence; last time was July 4th gathering @ Tom & Deb's.
Love & Prayers
Jeff & Mary Hoge
April 28, 2014
I remember Dr. Hart and his brother, William. Both were gentle men, and, great physicians to work with at both Methodist and Proctor hospitals. I worked in the Medical Records departments, at these facilities, during the mid-70s through 2003.
May you be guided to Heaven by those to whom you offered your gifts of care and kindness.
Jen, I pray for peace for you and yours.
All my best.
Mary Sierra
April 28, 2014
Rest in peace, Doc. Thanks to you, I'm still here 35 years later. You were not only my surgeon, but my advocate. Thank you.
Diane Geick
April 28, 2014
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