Raymond “Ray” Lavern Hart, 85, of Galion, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Avita Health System – Galion Hospital. Ray was born on April 6, 1940, in Leesville to the late Roy and Edna (Gerstanlager) Hart.
Born and raised in the Leesville area, he graduated from Leesville High School with the Class of 1958. Shortly after graduation, he proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. His time in the service shaped his discipline, curiosity, and enduring love of technology.
Following his military service, he pursued higher education and earned his associate’s degree in electronic engineering from North Central State College. His passion for problem-solving, gadgets, and all things technical remained a constant throughout his life.
Ray reconnected with Karen DeVore, and they married on October 12, 2012.
Never one to sit still, he continued working even after retirement. He drove for Morrow County Transport Services, and he especially enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and connecting with the people he served. Summers often found him outdoors, tending to maintenance at local golf courses. Alongside his wife, Karen, he also owned and operated a small primitive furniture business-an endeavor that combined his craftsmanship with their shared creative spirit.
He had a deep appreciation for genealogy and spent countless hours researching family history, preserving stories and connections for future generations. Handy by nature, he approached every task with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Music was another of his great joys, and he could often be found listening to his favorite songs while working on a project or simply relaxing at home.
In addition to his wife, left to cherish Ray’s memory are his children; Chris Hart, Melissa (Rocky) Cassidy and Holly (Eric) Walters; step-children, Cary (Herbert) Ogello, Nikki (Eric) Horvath and Bryan (Dawn) Mesnard; numerous grandchildren, including Taylor Ullom, Haley (Brian) Gold, Jacob Barnhart, Sierra Walters, Raygan (Tristan) Ciballi; number of great grandchildren including, Gracie, Nash and Walker Gold, and his brother, David Hart.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his siblings; Anne and her husband, Forest Stinehour, Donald Hart and Kenneth Hart; and his sister-in-law, Jewel Hart.
Friends may call on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion, OH 44833. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, at 10:00am with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ethnos #65 in memory of Ray.
Those wishing to share a memory of Ray or send condolences to the Hart family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., is honored to serve the family of Raymond Lavern Hart.
Funeral Home: www.masfh.com
Website: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel