Edward David Hart

Edward David Hart, 71, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Fredric Howard Hart Sr. and Marie Elizabeth (Long) Hart.

Ed was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Denise Marietta Hart, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage before her passing. His love and devotion to Denise was evident throughout their marriage, and he served as her primary caretaker during her final five years while she battled a prolonged illness.

He was a loving father to his daughters Janel (Jason) Chatraw and Christina (Blake) Andrews. Ed was a cherished grandfather to six grandchildren: Ethan Andrews, Ella Andrews, Faith Chatraw, Julia Chatraw, Elijah Chatraw, and Sarabeth Chatraw. His love for his children and grandchildren was boundless, and he made every effort to be present at their important events and milestones.

Ed is survived by his children, grandchildren, and siblings Fredric Howard Hart Jr. and Janet Lynn Hart Hubler. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Denise, and his sister Jennie Elizabeth Hart Mullin.

A 1975 graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Business Administration and Finance, Ed was a successful entrepreneur and business leader. In 1979, he purchased Safeway Logistics, a small transportation company that had been founded in 1969. Under his leadership, Safeway joined United Van Lines (now UniGroup) in 1982. Through his dedication and business acumen, Safeway earned dozens of awards from UniGroup for hauling and special commodities logistics, consistently ranking among the company's leaders in sales and service.

Ed was actively involved in his community and industry. He served as a board member of the Christian Truckers Association and was a longtime board member of Brookside Community Church in Indianapolis. He also served in several advisory roles for UniGroup, sharing his expertise and leadership with the organization.

In his personal time, Ed was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Pacers and Colts. He found great joy in tending to his flowers and gardening, creating a landscape that reflected his patient and nurturing nature.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Darrell Chatraw will officiate the service.

A private interment service for family and close friends will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Mausoleum on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ed's memory to The Association of Christian Truckers

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner Buchanan Funeral Home.