C. Evans Hart

HOLDEN - C. Evans Hart, 98, fifth-generation Hart, descendent of Jacob Hart a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the seven families who came from Massachusetts to settle Holden after the war, died April 21, 2011, at his home on Copeland Hill, Holden. He was born Dec. 10, 1912, in Brewer, the son of Charles H. and Martha L. (Libby) Hart. Evans was a lifelong resident of Holden and was a 1930 graduate of Brewer High School. He attended the University of Maine and returned to the family dairy farm after his father's death in the early 1930s. He and his wife, Dorothy, operated the farm for many years. In his later years he continued to grow vegetables and some of the most beautiful gladiolas, which he sold at the farmers market, supplied local florists and gave to his family, friends, neighbors and his church. Evans was a respected member of the community and was active in civic affairs. He served on various boards and committees in the town of Holden, and was a former town selectman. He was also a lifelong active member of Holden Congregational Church, where he held many different positions serving the church throughout the years. He was a former member and master of Pine Grove Grange, Brewer. Evans was an avid reader, had a great interest in politics and a strong love for his country. Surviving are three children, Mildred "Millie" G. Johnson and her husband, Eric, Wesley W. Hart and his wife, Gloria, all of Holden, and Dana E. Hart and his wife, Marcie, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; five grandchildren, Erika G. Twitchell of Pensacola, Fla., Heather L. Kiley of Holden, Aaron W. Hart of Orrington, Brett C. Hart of Holden and Douglas E. Hart of New York City; nine great-grandchildren, Alex and Emily Twitchell, Bryant, Andrew and Sarah Kiley, Chloe Hart, Leah, Owen and Will Hart; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy P. (Murphy) Hart, in 1997; his parents; a brother, Wesley Hart; and a sister, Edith McLaughlin. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer, where a funeral service honoring Evans' life will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, April 28, with the Rev. Richard Hyman, pastor of Second Congregational Church, Brewer, and the Rev. Harold Grove, longtime friend and former pastor, presiding. Burial will be at Hill Rest Cemetery, Wiswell Road, Holden. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Holden Congregational Church, Steeple Fund, P.O. Box 3451, Brewer, ME 04412. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.