KOKOMO - William L. Hart, 91, formerly of this area, died Sept. 17, 2007.
He was born Jan. 12, 1916, in Anderson, to William L. and Theresa Cook Hart. On March 10, 1942, in Savannah, Ga., he married Helen Laymon, who survives.
He graduated from Anderson High School in 1934, and attended IU until leaving for the U.S. Army in 1941. As a 1st Sergeant, he participated in the battle of Iwo Jima in the Western Pacific and was awarded the Bronze Star. Spending his life in the retail shoe business, he was a supervisor of Schiff Shoe Stores in northern Indiana and western Ohio; founded H&H Shoes Inc., Kokomo, on Dec. 20, 1966, and earlier in Warsaw; opened stores in Wabash and Logansport; and operated W&W Shoe Village, Winona Lake, and H&H Shoes and Hart Shoeland, Warsaw. He was a recognized tree farmer. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for 57 years, and served as head usher for many years. He was a charter member of Golden K. Kiwanis Club and was founder and one of the original members of SCORE.
Also surviving are a son, David Hart; a daughter, Susan Ludwig; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jim Hart. He was preceded in death by a sister, four brothers and a son.
A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with the Revs. Steve Beutler and Larry Newberg officiating.
Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church.
Ellers Mortuary, Webster Street Chapel, Kokomo, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials to Golden K. Kiwanis Club, Riley Hospital for Children Fund or to the charity of the donor's choice.
