John Elvin Hart Jr., 77, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at his home.

John was born January 3, 1949 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of John E. and Leona M. (Thurman) Hart. He was a 1968 graduate of LaHarpe High School and attended Quincy Technician School in Quincy, Illinois. He was employed as a welder for Burlington Northern Railroad for 42 years.

He enjoyed being raised on a farm and had a lifelong hobby of tinkering on anything.

Mr. Hart is survived by one daughter: Melissa (Jeff) Smith of Lexington, Virginia, one grandson: Matthew (Shanna) Smith, two great-grandchildren: Brinley and Brystol; two sisters: Jean McGee of LaHarpe and Eileen Logan of Lomax; one sister-in-law: Pat Hart of Burlington and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Jim Hart and his longtime companion: Deeanna Thompson.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.

Services will be held at a later date.

To leave an online condolence for the the family, please visit John's obituary at banksandbeals.com.