HOPE — Obed Arthur Hart, 89, died April 1, 2017, at Tall Pines in Belfast, after a period of declining health. Born in Hope on Jan. 27, 1928, he was the son of Arthur L. and Agnes (Fuller) Hart. A life-long resident of Hope, Obed was a member of the Class of 1946 at Camden High School, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On June 22, 1952, he married Faith Ludwig.

Obed was employed for 35 years with the Maine Department of Transportation, retiring as a division superintendent. He then went to work for Richard and Ann Bresnahan in Hope, as their caretaker, where he worked for 25 years. The grounds, and especially the blueberries at the Bresnahan's farm, were meticulously cared for by Obed as if it were his own property.

He also found great satisfaction and enjoyment attending the activities and events of his grandchildren. Obed's daily routine during his retirement years started at 6 a.m. at the Hope General Store enjoying a cup of coffee and a game of cribbage with Ronnie Wright and Wayne Berry.

Obed served as a volunteer fireman and fire chief of the Hope Fire Department, he served on the road committee for the Town of Hope, was a member of the Hatchet Mountain Snowriders Club, a life member of the Hope Historical Society, a member of the Hope Grange and member of American Legion Post No. 30 in Camden. In addition, Obed was a 60+-year member of Amity Masonic Lodge No. 60, Scottish Rites, Lodge Chapter, Anah Shriners of Bangor and an aide emeritus, Waldo County Shrine Club, Mid-Coast Shrine Club, Bangor-Brewer Shrine Club, and the Royal Order of Jesters, Bangor Court No. 150.

Surviving are his three sons, Daniel Hart and his wife, Julie, of Bethel, Paul Hart of Rockland, and Andrew and his wife, Sherry, of Rockport; seven grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsay, Joshua, Casey, Christopher, Kayla and Connor; his sisters, Virginia Olson of Northport and Joanne Davis of Florida; several nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Ann Leadbetter and her husband, Ron, of Hope; and his stepmother-in-law, Evelyn Ludwig of Camden.

He was predeceased by his wife, Faith Hart, who died Oct. 14, 2012; two brothers, Richard and Warren Hart; and two sisters, Anna Athearn and Jane Bean.

Calling hours will be held Friday, April 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St. in Camden. A memorial service, followed by a reception will be held Saturday, April 8, at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church UCC, 55 Elm St. in Camden, with the Rev. Dr. Deb Jenks officiating.

Memorial gifts may be made in his memory to Shriner's Children's Hospital, c/o Anah Shrine, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402.