Vernon Lee “Butch” Hart, 79, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2026 in Monument, Colorado following a long and courageous battle with dementia. Butch entered the world at home on his family’s farm in North Sewickley Township, PA, to Marlan (Dale) Hart, and Mildred Blinn, on May 12, 1946.

 As a proud Marine, Butch served from 1966 to 1969, which included a combat tour in Vietnam. His sense of service was later rekindled and for over two decades he served in the Air Force Reserve. With over 25 years of combined service, both at home and deployed, he retired as a Master Sergeant in 2006.

 As a Teamster, Butch spent his career navigating familiar roads of the tri-state area. As a local driver, Butch stayed close to home, driving for McClean Trucking and Yellow Freight before retiring in 2003. His routes traversed Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio, allowing him to be a steady presence for his family.

 While his work kept him driving locally, Butch’s favorite retirement pastime was taking road trips to visit the people he loved most. He frequented New England, Texas, Colorado, and Florida, finding great joy in the journey and the reunions that awaited him at the end of the drive.

 Butch is survived by his siblings:  Marlan J. “Pete” Hart (West, Tx), Beverly Cardoza (Newport, RI), Warren D. Hart (Ellwood City, PA), Merle D. Hart (Windber, PA).

 Butch’s legacy lives on through his three sons and his five grandchildren: Michael L. Hart, his wife Erin, and their children, Logan and Peyton, of Sarver, PA; Steven D. Hart, his wife Julie, and their children, Benjamin and Chloe, of Monument, CO; and Ryan J. Hart, his wife Angela, and their daughter Mia, of Worcester, MA.

 He will be missed and remembered as a disciplined, dedicated, Marine, father and grandfather who would drive any distance to show his support. Semper Fi Dad.

 Service Information: A service to celebrate Butch’s life is planned for 5/23 followed by interment at Castle View Cemetery. To honor his service, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Travis Manion Foundation.