David Kenneth Hart, age 76 of Charleston, Missouri, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He was born August 21, 1947, in Charleston to the late Richard Joseph Hart and Frances Helen Matheney Hart.  He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in France and Germany.  He was employed as a fire inspector for WestVaco Paper Mill in Wickliffe, Kentucky for over twenty years and was later employed by Fitzgerald Marine Co.

David is survived by the love of his life, Marla Rapert of the home; one daughter, Penny Boulnois of Sikeston, Missouri; his stepsons whom he raised as his own, Joseph Rapert and Blake Rapert, both of Charleston; two sisters, Judy Hart of Charleston and Norma Jean Choate of Crown Pointe, Indiana; and two grandchildren, Macie Smith and Dylan Boulnois.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Larry Hart, Charles Wayne Hart, Jerry Michael Hart and Little Richard Hart, who died in infancy; one sister, Frances Ellen Cooper; and one special niece, Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Taylor, who was killed in action April 16, 2011, while serving in Afghanistan.

No public services are scheduled.

Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie is in charge of arrangements.