Rex Hart

Rex Hart, 73, Lockheed Aircraft

FROSTPROOF -- Mr. Rex Hart of Frostproof, a field service representative for Lockheed Aircraft for more than 30 years, began repairing airplanes because he loved traveling.

Mr. Hart died of cancer Friday (Aug. 11, 2006). He was 73.

Born Sept. 7, 1932, in Chattanooga, Tenn., Mr. Hart moved to Frostproof from Smyrna, Ga., in 1987.

Mr. Hart served in the Air Force, working as a flat line mechanic during the Korean War. After leaving the military, he took a job with Lockheed Aircraft.

"He started out at the bottom," said his brother, Eldon Hart of Chattanooga.

The experience Mr. Hart earned in the Air Force helped him move up through the ranks quickly. He soon reached the position of field service representative. For almost 10 years, he worked with governments in Morocco and Indonesia that had purchased aircraft from Lockheed, accessing damaged planes and making sure they worked properly.

"He became a troubleshooter and goodwill ambassador for the company," his brother said.

Mr. Hart had no special attachment to airplanes. For him, it was just another job.

"It was the traveling he loved," his brother said. After retiring from Lockheed in 1987, he enjoyed traveling to Chattanooga and visiting family for months at a time. "It didn't matter if he was driving or flying, as long as he went."

Mr. Hart attended First Baptist Church of Frostproof. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 32 Degree and the Scottish Rite. He served in the Air Force in Korea.

Mr. Hart is survived by his wife, Helen A. Hart; daughter, Cynthia Vaughn, Atlanta; brothers, Eldon Hart and Charles Hart, both of Chattanooga; sisters, Glenna Joyce Burnette, Dayton, Tenn., Amy Shipley, Dolly Barnett, Peggy Adams, Ruth Barker and Dorothy Johnson, all of Chattanooga; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. this afternoon at First Baptist Church, Frostproof. Services will follow at 3 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 96 W. B St., Frostproof, FL 33843.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home, Lake Wales.