Russell T. Hart, M.D.
Aug. 1, 1904 - March 9, 1999
Russell Thoreau Hart, M.D., 94, of Lewis Drive, Niles, Mich., died following a brief illness at 6:09 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, in Lakeland Medical Center, Niles.
Dr. Hart was born on August 1, 1904 in Fergus Falls, Minn. to Alva M. and Nellie Ray (McMahan) Hart. With his family, they moved to Oregon in 1919 and then came to Niles in 1921. His undergraduate degree was earned at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana), and he was graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor in 1930. He completed his internship at Saint Joseph Hospital, South Bend, Ind., and began his practice in Niles, at the Star building in 1931.
In 1944, Dr. Hart enlisted in the U. S. Army. His military service included Medical Officers training school, and a domestic post before being given command of the Medical Hospital Platoon. He traveled on ship relief missions, returning wounded servicemen to the U. S., serving as a Ship's Surgeon. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain.
He returned to Niles to open a practice in Obstetrics and Pediatrics, and purchased a farm on White Street. His medical career ended in 1962 when his right hand was severely injured in a farming accident. He and Mrs. Hart then moved to a cattle farm in Decatur, Mich., returning to Niles in 1974. His interest in animal breeding and showing lead to memberships in the American Brahma Club, the American Poultry Association, and licensure as a Rabbit Judge. He also founded the Niles Horse Riding Club.
His other memberships include the People for the American Way, and the American Civil Liberties Association and the National Organization for Women. His interest in all of these areas was secondary to his interest in the people involved. He was well-known for his acute and accurate memories of Pawating Hospital in the original Castle Rest mansion, and the people who staffed it; and he was pleased to meet people whose birth he had attended, and recall the circumstances of the birth and all of their siblings. He also was pleased to discuss various agricultural issues, and remained an avid reader of current political and cultural magazines.
On April 17, 1928, in South Bend, he was married to the former Frances Huff, who preceded him in death on May 16, 1995.
Dr. Hart is survived by their children, Richard Hart of LaFayette, Ind., Virginia ''Jean'' Spranger of Howell, Mich., Wayne Hart of Elkhart, Ind. and Bruce Hart and LouAnn DeVall, both of Niles; and by seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Dr. Russell Hart will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Reverend Nolan R. Williams officiating. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory of Dr. Hart may be made to the Lakeland Health Foundation, Niles, for scholarships.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown.