Hollis DeHart, 84, of Russell County, KY, 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, KY. He was born September 18, 1938 at home at the Russell County Fairgrounds, a 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. Mr. DeHart served as Mayor of Russell Springs and served on the Russell Springs City Council. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Russell Springs City Park; was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels; and taught Sunday School & was a deacon at Bethel Baptist Church.
SURVIVORS:
His wife: Jane Zimmerman DeHart
1 son & daughter-in-law: Matt & Lana DeHart of Russell Springs
1 daughter & son-in-law: Lesa & Kim Billings of Richmond, KY
1 sister & brother-in-law: Margaret & Thomas McVay
3 grandsons: Taylor Billings, Evan DeHart and Nathan DeHart
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth DeHart; 3 half-sisters: Ruby Burton, Pauline Barrier and Mary Doris Day; and a grandson, Ethan “Cody” Billings.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11:00amCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Conner and Bro. Dustin McGowan officiating
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard
Visitation: Monday, March 6, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT 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.
