DANVILLE – Henry (Hank) Nyhart, 78, passed away peacefully in his home on March 17, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family after a brave year-and-half battle with leukemia.
Hank was born June 16, 1943, and grew up milking cows and baling hay on his family’s farm in Danville. He graduated from Danville High School in 1961. In 1967, Hank joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He served his country for three years. When he returned from Germany, he was often found on the back step by his apartment around the same time that his future wife would be walking home from work. He would eventually introduce himself to Phyllis Collins, and after six months of dating they married on May 19, 1973. They had five children, Bridgett (Michael) Shearer, Bernadette (Scott) Redman, Patrick (Andrea) Nyhart, Christina (Aaron) Cook and Rebecca Goeppinger and her partner Kevin Berry.
Hank worked for the United States Postal Service delivering mail in Mount Vernon for 28 years. He was funny, curious, easy-natured and caring, and so he naturally befriended everyone on his route. He was spoiled, too. His wife and children often drove his route to find him and deliver sweets. In his spare time, Hank enjoyed woodworking. He took pleasure in making gifts for others, from ornaments and decorative pieces to rocking horses, dollhouses and airplanes. He could also be counted on to help others with wood projects. Hank was also a talented musician who enjoyed playing bluegrass and church hymns on the guitar and piano. He was also known to try his hand at more unusual instruments, such as the dulcimer, lap harp and others. Hank enjoyed nature. He was a birdwatcher and kept a vegetable garden for many years. In his retirement, he began growing roses and other flowers. His other pastimes include following local high school and college sports, and his favorite, attending his eight grandchildren’s games, dance recitals, plays and more.
In addition to his wife of 48 years and his children, Hank is survived by his grandchildren, Kendal Goeppinger; Nicholas and Annabelle Redman; Preston, Porter and Peyton Nyhart; and Owen and Isabella Cook. He is also survived by his sisters Jayne (Larry) Strouse, Jean (Mike) Hammond and Russetta (John) Mitchell and several nieces and nephews.
Hank is preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Marjorie Nyhart.
Hank was loved by many and a friend to all, including the special team of doctors and nurses at the Knox Community Hospital Center for Cancer Care. His family is grateful for the special care Hank received there. He enjoyed many conversations with the staff and appreciated the help and care he was given. His family is also grateful to Hank’s Hospice nurses for the tender care he received, and for the comfort they brought him and his family in his final days. Hank’s loved ones are also grateful for the family, friends and neighbors whose outpouring of support touched them in ways they will never forget.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family suggests honoring Hank by reaching out to a family member or friend to reconnect, because that’s what Hank loved to do.
A graveside service with military honors by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council was held in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Monday, March 21, at 11 a.m.
The Snyder Funeral Home - Lasater Chapel is handling the services for the family. To express a condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
