Junior L. Hart

Junior Lewis Hart of Massillon passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026. Junior was born on December 5, 1941, in Harrisville, West Virginia, to the late Jacob Hart and Zula Moore Stephens. He graduated from Parkersburg High School. As a young man, Junior followed his brother Bill to northeast Ohio where he found work at Canton Aluminum and met Judy Hawk, who was the enduring love of his life. Judy and Junior knew each other for a month before they eloped in May 1961. As a young man, Junior was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #141 where he played basketball and fumbleball. Later, Junior worked at Block Coal and Supply, and then he drove for Roadway for over two million accident-free miles. He was proud to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union.

Junior attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Canton, Calvary Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Florida, and St. Jacob Lutheran Church in Massillon.

Junior enjoyed seeing the country in an RV after retiring from Roadway. He and Judy spent many happy months exploring national parks out West and even traveled to Alaska. Junior relished life as a snowbird, wintering in Ruskin, Florida for nearly twenty years where he spent countless hours scouring the beach for seashells.

At home, Junior devoted lots of time to a large vegetable garden and blueberry bushes. He and Judy were an expert canning team, and Junior baked lots of cookies for his sons and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Junior’s wife, Judy; son Nelson; and siblings Bill, Grover, Wilma, Harry, and Virginia preceded him in death. Junior is survived by his loving sons Brad (Vickie) and Lauren (Lisa); grandchildren Patrick, Mitch, and Tricia; two sisters, Carol and Joyce; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Bethany Rehabilitation and Aultman Hospice for the care they provided to Junior. In lieu of flowers, donations in Junior’s memory may be made to the Stark County Humane Society or St. Jacob Lutheran Church in Massillon.

Per his wishes, Junior will be cremated, and there will be a small memorial service for family at a future time. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)456-4766