Donnie James Hart, 71, was received into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 27, 2017, following an extensive battle with strokes and related disabilities.

Donnie was born December 24, 1945 in Jacksboro, Texas to Frances Louise (Briscoe) and James Wesley Hart. 

He was a self-employed painter for several years and worked for the City of Wichita Falls and for Stanley Tools. But his greatest calling was to serve his Lord as a Southern Baptist Evangelist serving in Texas and the Mexico mission field. He was a member of the Conference of Texas Baptist Evangelists for several years.

Donnie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Among others, he earned the National Defense Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.

He enjoyed fishing, old cars, the Dallas Cowboys and lazy days traveling with his wife in their motor home. He loved spending time with family and friends and serving the Lord.

Donnie was preceded in death by many relatives including his sister, Shirley Findley; grandson, Christopher and his stepdaughter, Tracie Scott.

Survivors include his loving wife Marilyn; daughter, Kimberly Vazquez and husband Julio of West Palm Beach Florida; son, Donnie James Stiles and wife Debbie of Wellington, Florida; stepson, Korey Wayne Baley and wife Susan of Wichita Falls; and sister, Jeannie Monk of Azle, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Nicholas Vazquez, Lance and Brooke Stiles, Dustin and Devon (Megan) Scott, Colton and Emma Baley; and great granddaughters, Emerson and Kaizlyn. Donnie also leaves behind two aunts, several nieces, nephews and cousins and his best friend of many, many years, Herb Todd.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of University Park Nursing and Rehab and Hospice of Wichita Falls for their excellent care of Donnie during his final days.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Owens and Brumley, Wichita Falls.

A celebration of Donnie’s life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017 in the chapel of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls with Brother Ronnie Lawson, Pastor of Thornberry Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Burkburnett Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.

Memorials may be made in Donnie’s name to: Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita Falls, Texas, 76310 or to University Park Activity Fund, 4511 Coronado, Wichita Falls, Texas, 76310.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com.