Lawrence Donald “Don” Hart, 89, of Rockbridge Baths passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 21, surrounded by his daughters.

He was born on Aug. 14, 1936, in Rockbridge County, the son of Nina B. Withrow Hart and Raymond Stonewall Hart.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Gladys Hart; his son-in-law, Keven Parker Swisher; his brothers, Palmer L. Hart, Richard Hart, Harold S. Hart, Boyd G. Hart and Gene Hart; and his sister, Phyllis Hart.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna L. Hart and Teresa Hart Swisher; his grandchildren, Danielle Tolley (Jason), Autumn Sistar (Dustin), Karlie Jo Schriver (Oliver) and Tyler Swisher (Madalyn); and his great-grandchildren, River, Dex, Isla, Parker, Preston and Brooks. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Earl Bergener, and his sister-in-law, Betty Burch.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps after enlisting in 1956. During his service, he spent the majority of his deployment in the HawaiianTerritory, serving with honor and dedication. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to public service by joining law enforcement, serving with the Lexington Police Department and the Buena Vista Police Department for approximately four and a half years.

In 1965, Don and his wife Gladys, along with his father, founded R.S. & L.D. Hart Excavating, which they operated for over 39 years before retiring in 2005. In retirement, Don and Gladys enjoyed camping and traveling across the country in their motor home, making lasting memories with family and friends.

Don loved hunting, NASCAR racing and his family. Earlier in life, he also had a passion for dirt track racing, competing at local tracks including Natural Bridge Speedway, East Lexington Race Track, and Eastside Speedway in Waynesboro.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice and his dedicated care team: Marlene Deacon, Christy Gibson, Jordan Sorrels, Bridgette Jones and Chrystal Knick.

A special mention is also given to his lifelong friends: George Shepard, Bud McCormick, Gary Camden, Scottie Sensabaugh and Eddie Burch, who preceded him in death.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday, June 25, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Harrison Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Timber Ridge A.R. Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Services will be conducted by Dorsey Hostetter.

Pallbearers will be Danielle Tolley, Tyler Swisher, River Jones, Jason Tolley, Oliver Schriver, Gary Camden, Jeff Camden and Greg Camden.