Roger M. Hart

Roger M. Hart, 84, of Bucyrus, entered Heaven on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 following his passing at home.

He was born on December 17, 1941 in Putnum County, Missouri to the late Paul Blaine and Olive Marie (Neagle) Hart. He was a 1959 graduate of Livonia High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University. In the early 1970s Roger was living in Louisville, Kentucky and while attending church at the Beth Haven Baptist Church, he met Joan C. Cato Collins. They hit it off and were married on November 4, 1972. They made their way to Bucyrus in 1982 and Roger became a teacher and principal at Victory Christian School until it’s closing. In 1994 he was hired to work at United Bank and very much-loved greeting customers while working as a teller. Roger was devoted to caring for their needs until retiring in 2004, and it’s no surprise to anyone that his personal bank books were never one cent off.

Roger always did everything within his power to personally take care of home projects and auto repairs. He enjoyed collecting coins, which he shared with family, and he loved to study history and genealogy. He and Joan enjoyed many travels in their motor home, seeing many beautiful sites along the way as well as touching many lives that crossed their path.

Roger maintained constant devotion to God and was currently worshiping at Gospel Baptist Church in Galion. No matter where Roger was throughout his life, he’s always been active in church and enjoyed his calling. In 2008 he began actively writing and was blessed to have published seven books (was currently working on his eighth) mainly relating to Christian stories and devotional life experiences, with hopes of helping others.

In addition to Joan, his wife of nearly 54 years, Roger is survived by children, Warren Paul (Sherry) Hart, Christopher Francis (Tammy) Hart, Craig Collins and Gregory (LaDonna) Collins; grandchildren, Kyle, Connar, Caleb, Brody, Tyler and Noah Hart and Misty Dawn Collins; sister, Barbara Sue Hart as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Fern Lewman, Ruth Brown, Jerry “Bill” Hart and Pearl Blaine Hart.

His family will receive friends from 11 – 12:55 pm on Friday, August 21 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, immediately followed by his funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm with Pastor Rich Herb officiating. A graveside committal service will be held on August 28 in Mount Hermon Cemetery in Chariton, MO.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Gospel Baptist Church and will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.