Thomas Jesse “TJ” Hart

June 23, 1956 - March 13, 2021

Thomas Jesse “TJ” Hart, 64, of Terre Haute passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at his residence surrounded by family. He was born June 23, 1956 in Fort Pierce, Florida to Jesse Hamon Hart and Melva Garland Turner. TJ grew up in Centralia, Illinois. He served his country in the United States Navy. TJ enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, and bowling. He was a member of Oregon Baptist Church where he was active with the church youth group. The family loved to spend time at the lake. TJ was an audiophile, enjoyed photography, and played the guitar. He coached softball and was teaching his grandchildren to play chess. TJ was also an honorary card-carrying Girl Scout and was active for many years in scouting. He was an avid Cardinals fan. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Cindy Hart, daughter Kelsey Hart, son Aaron Hart, grandchildren Kaylynn and Connor Zehner, stepbrother Dennis Turner (Sharon), as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. TJ is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather James “J.D.” Turner, sister Rebecca Hart Simpson, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at DeBaun Springhill Chapel in Terre Haute, Indiana from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ron Riggs officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute, Indiana. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the college fund for TJ’s grandchildren at First Financial Bank and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is assisting the Hart Family with local arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.