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Centralia Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime Centralia Businessman and Senior Olympian David Lee Hart Dies at 73
Hart founded a successful basement construction company and competed in track and field events across 11 states in his later years.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:29pm
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A vibrant celebration of one man's lifelong passion for athletic competition and his lasting impact on his community.Centralia TodayDavid Lee Hart, a 73-year-old businessman and competitive senior athlete from Centralia, Illinois, passed away on March 27, 2026. Hart founded a successful basement construction company in 1990 and in his later years competed in Senior Olympics track and field events across 11 states, earning 47 medals.
Why it matters
Hart's life story highlights the value of lifelong learning, physical fitness, and community involvement. His entrepreneurial success and athletic achievements in his retirement years serve as an inspiration for older adults to stay active and pursue their passions.
The details
David Lee Hart was born on September 24, 1952 and lived a full life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a passion for competition. In 1974, he married Brenda Joyce Barrow, with whom he shared over five decades of marriage. Together, they built a strong and loving family. In 1990, Hart founded a successful basement construction company called Dave Hart Basements, which he ran with a reputation for dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity. In his later years, Hart rediscovered a love for athletic competition, competing in Senior Olympics events across 11 states from 2022 onward and earning an impressive 47 medals.
- David Lee Hart was born on September 24, 1952.
- In 1974, Hart married Brenda Joyce Barrow.
- In 1990, Hart founded Dave Hart Basements.
- Beginning in 2022, Hart competed in Senior Olympics events across 11 states.
- David Lee Hart passed away on March 27, 2026.
The players
David Lee Hart
A 73-year-old businessman and competitive senior athlete from Centralia, Illinois who founded a successful basement construction company and competed in Senior Olympics track and field events.
Brenda Joyce Barrow
David Lee Hart's wife of over five decades, with whom he built a strong and loving family.
Dave Hart Basements
The successful basement construction company that David Lee Hart founded in 1990 and ran with a reputation for dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity.
The takeaway
David Lee Hart's life story serves as an inspiring example of how older adults can stay active, pursue their passions, and leave a lasting legacy in their community. His entrepreneurial success and athletic achievements in his retirement years demonstrate the value of lifelong learning and the power of determination.
