Mr. Hollis DeHart, a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, honorable Navy veteran and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at the home of his daughter, in Richmond. Mr. DeHart was 84 years of age.
Mr. DeHart was born September 18, 1938, at home on the Russell County Fairgrounds, son of the late Clarence and Matrie Kinnett DeHart. As a young man, Mr. DeHart was a carpenter and loved the art of woodworking. He served his country in the United States Navy and traveled the world as an enlisted man.
He earned multiple degrees from Campbellsville University and Western Kentucky University. While a senior at Campbellsville, Mr. DeHart was voted president of the senior class. He was later placed on the Board of Regents for the college when it became a university.
Mr. DeHart was an educator. He taught sociology at Russell County High School; served as principal, was Assistant Superintendent of Russell County Schools and was Transportation Director for Russell County Schools. He initiated the establishment of the first Russell County High School Football Team.
He served as mayor of Russell Springs and served on the Russell Springs City Council. Mr. DeHart was instrumental in the establishment of the Russell Springs city park. He was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Mr. DeHart taught Sunday School and was a deacon at Bethel Baptist Church.
Mr. DeHart is survived by his wife, Jane Zimmerman DeHart; his son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Lana DeHart, of Russell Springs; his daughter and son-in-law, Lesa and Kim Billings, of Richmond; his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Thomas McVay; and his grandsons, Taylor Billings, Evan DeHart and Nathan DeHart.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth DeHart; his half-sisters, Ruby Burton, Pauline Barrier and Mary Doris Day; and his grandson, Ethan “Cody” Billings.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. CST, Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Bobby Conner and Bro. Dustin McGowan officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. CST, Monday, March 6, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lymphoma Society at https://givenow.lls.org or to Campbellsville University at campbellsville.edu by clicking on “give” at the top of the page.
Arrangements for Mr. Hollis DeHart have been entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com