Roger L. Hart (SMSgt Ret.), a Peninsula resident for the past 55 years, passed away January 22, 2021, at his home. He was born June 7, 1928 in Rhodell, WV. Preceding him in death were his parents Luther and Mary Hart, two brothers, Robert Hart and Earl Hart, and two sisters, Beulah Peery and Janis Whitenack.
He is survived by a loving wife of 71 years, Lahoma L. Hart; two daughters, Debra H. Schroeder (Skip) of Tabb, VA, and Mary E. Burgess (Kevin) of Orefield, PA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Chris Sherman (Melissa), and their two children, Delaney and Christopher, of Richmond, VA; Tara Baass (Brad), and their five children, Xena, Axis, Phoenix, Lexus and Bradley, of Victoria, TX; Katherine Burgess Capobianco (Ryan), Michelle Burgess Hartzel (Charles), of Coplay, PA, and Brenton Schroeder (Ashlynn), of Richmond, VA; four brothers, James (Nora), Aubrey (Janet), Carl (Shelma), and Randall (Barbara); three sisters, Joyce Hatcher, Elaine Jones (Gerald), and Connie Michalek (Frank); a sister-in-law, Geneva Hart, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Roger and Lahoma came to the Peninsula when he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. They fell in love with the area and promised themselves they would return when Roger’s service career ended. After serving tours in Okinawa, England, Azores Islands, and various military bases throughout the United States, they fulfilled their lifelong dream and settled on the peninsula after he returned from a tour in Vietnam.
During his military service, he received many honors. They included the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Bronze Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Leaf Clusters. He leaves a legacy of an incredible work ethic both in his service career and his employment with Colonial Kitchens, Department of Navy, and NASA Langley Research Center. He was a very quiet man with great inner strength.
He attended Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church, where he worshipped regularly. He was a member of the American Legion Post 368, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Mended Hearts, Chapter 119.
A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2021, at Peninsula Memorial Park, with Pastor Judy Worthington and Rev. Carole Stockberger officiating. Guests are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church Operations Fund, 38 Hoopes Road, Newport News, VA 23602.
Arrangements and heartfelt guidance by Claytor Rollins Funeral Home., 836 Poquoson Avenue, Poquoson, VA 23662.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Roger L. Hart, please visit our floral store.