Jerome P. Hart

Jerome P. "Jerry" Hart, 68, of Vergennes, Il. died Saturday,
January 10, 2004, at his home under the care of hospice after a prolonged illness.  Jerry was born on March 3, 1935 in Harrisburg, Il., to Silas Vernon and Ruby (Deal) Hart. He married Joan D. Heape in Vergennes, Il., on March 16, 1957, she survives.                                       
	Jerry graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1953.  The youngest of ten children, he was the first member of his family to obtain a university education, and graduated with an MA in Music Education in 1957.He worked as a music teacher at the high school, junior college and college levels, and directed a number of musicals, bands, and orchestras throughout his career.
 He enjoyed an active life of music, traveling, boating and family time. As a drummer, Jerry enjoyed performing in a variety of jazz bands throughout his life.  
 	Memorial services were held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro, with Rev. Ray Radae of the Faith United Methodist church in Vergennes officiating.  The family received friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2004, at Crawshaw Funeral Home.  Private interment was at Parrish Cemetery in Vergennes.  Memorials are encouraged and may be made to VNA Tip Hospice or to the American Diabetes Association.
	Survivors include three daughters and their husbands; Laura Jo Hart and Rob Dycus of Huntsville, Al., LeeAnn and Sean McCain of Carbondale, Il., Lana Hart and Andrew Hobman of Auckland New Zealand, one daughter in law and her husband, Donna and Bob Hurster of Grover, MO,  his nine adored grandchildren, and  one brother James Hart of Austin, TX.  He was preceded in death by one son Paul Clinton Hart who died  April 26, 1998, one infant daughter, his parents, five sisters and three brothers.
