Wilmer O. “Gabby” Hart, 90, of Patoka, passed away on Monday April 16, 2012 at the VNA Hospice Center in Evansville.

He lived in Patoka his entire lifetime and had attended the Wayside Chapel Church. He retired in 1983 after 35 years with Emge Packing Company.  He honorably served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Barnegat and the USS Holder. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1147.

He loved to work in his organic garden.

Wilmer was born on July 8, 1921 in Patoka, to Otis and Octava (Speight) Hart, both deceased. He is also preceded in death by a daughter, Marilyn Robberts in 2010; one brother and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Ellen Hart of Patoka; children, Sharon (Jerry) Dixon of Vincennes, IN Joan Hart of Evansville, IN and Ryan Hart of Hatfield, IN; son-in-law, Fred Robberts of Jasper, IN; 8 grandchildren, Rev. Leah Robberts-Mosser, Shannon and Jared Dixon, Justin and Emilee Robb, and Ian, Evan and Steffan Hart; and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiated by Elder William Simmons.  Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Patoka, IN.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Military graveside services will be conducted by VFW Post #1147.