John "JR" Robert Hart

John “JR” Robert Hart, 80, of Kirkwood, IL, passed away at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 14, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.

John was born May 18, 1940 in Burlington, IA, the son of Cletus Vetal and Eyloe Virginia (Matzka) Hart.  He was raised and educated in Kirkwood, graduating from Kirkwood High School in 1958.

John was an Engineer with the C + NW Railroad for 24 ½ years before retiring in 1990.

He was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Monmouth, the F.O.E. in Carthage, IL and the Monmouth VFW Post #2301.  John enjoyed working on small engines and lawn mowers for his neighbors.

Survivors include his children, Kelly Jean Lant of Monmouth, IL and John Andrew (Roxanna) Hart of Kirkwood, IL; three grandsons, Jonathon C. Hart of Kirkwood, IL, Shannon Caldwell of Oquawka, IL, Lance (Joe) Mitchell of Chicago, IL; three great grandchildren; his sister, Selma Setser of Kirkwood, IL; his brothers, Dale A. (Nancy) Hart of Monmouth, IL, James L. (Sue) Hart of Kirkwood, IL, Terry G. (Janice) Hart of Kirkwood, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Wayne Hart and Richard A. Hart, and special friend, Janet Connerly.

Cremation has been accorded.  No services are planned at this time.  Memorials can be made to the John Hart Memorial Fund.  McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the local arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.