Carmi Times Fri Jul 17, 2009 Carmi, Ill. - Jerry Hart, a longtime and beloved citizen of Carmi, passed away at his home, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. He was born March 14, 1936 in Chicago, the son of Sam B. and Leah Bell (Baker) Hart. He married Deanna Mecum on Dec. 3, 1959 at Shawneetown, and she survives. Jerry started his career as manager of the business his father started in 1929 and ended his career in death as the owner-operator of Hart Shoes in Carmi. He attended grade school in Carmi and graduated from high school at Western Military Academy in Alton. He served with the U.S. Army Reserves at Fort Leonard Wood. Jerry was a member of the Carmi Kiwanis Club for nearly 50 years. He accomplished many goals as a result of that membership. In 1966 he won the District Inter-Club award by prodding each member to attend one inter-club meeting; the goal was met and Jerry accumulated over 1,600 miles on his car! He also served all chairs of office, serving as president in 1968. Jerry was active in Corn Day activities and was the concession chairman for 35 years. The store sponsored a Relay For Life team for five years and he participated since its conception in 1999. Jerry and Deanna were avid runners in the '70s and '80s and in later years walked many miles together. He was a strong supporter of Pets at Risk in Carmi. His two greatest passions in life were the St. Louis Cardinals and photography. Jerry attended Temple in Benton. He is survived by his wife, Deanna; one son, Aaron Hart of Louisville, Ky.; one daughter, Annie Eisenback of Louisville, Ky.; and two sisters, June Fredman of San Antonio, Texas and Sharon Roeder of Prescott, Ariz. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and several cousins. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2009 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home/Kittinger-Fair in Carmi, with burial in North Maple Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Carmi Pets at Risk. On-line condolences may be left at kittinger-fairfuneralhome.com