John Lee Hart, 86, of Champaign died on Saturday, November 18th, 2017 at Heritage Manor in Gibson City. There will be a memorial gathering from 2p.m. to 4p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd.,Urbana. John Hart was born on August 25, 1931, in Champaign to Leona May (Jones) and Thomas Virgil Hart. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ellie, in 2007; brothers, James Hart and Hank Hart; and sisters, Carolyn Reed and Joan Hyatt. John is survived by his wife, Patricia; brother, Allen; sons John Hart (Michelle); Tim Crom (Vicki); daughter, Alissa Marcum (Barton); step-daughter Fallon Bartell (Jason); grandchildren Berek Outlaw, Lauren Urie, Jillian Urie, Shaili McNeely, James McNeely, Trevor Crom, Bailey Crom, Lucas Hart, Elena Marcum, and Mckenzie Hart. John honorably served as a Chief Radarman in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. Upon retirement, he worked as a long-haul truck driver for 21 years before rounding off his careers serving the News Gazette for 13 years. He was a kind man that loved children, raising John, Tim, and Alissa, as well as opening his home to a multitude of foster children. He will be missed by all who knew his generous love and mischievous grin. Condolences may be offered at http://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com