Henry Alan Mart

Henry Alan Mart, Hank as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 4, 1965 to Mimi and Kenneth Mart. His sister Leslie was 13 months older and while she was his best buddy she made him her partner in crime, always getting into mischief.

In 1970 Gene VanDevender entered the picture and soon became Daddy Gene and later just Dad. The family relocated to Florida in 1972, living in several areas, before settling in Largo. It was always easy for him to make friends, some who are still his friends today. After graduating from Largo High School in 1983, Hank joined the Air Force and was stationed at MacDill AFB, specializing in Vehicle Equipment Mechanics. He quickly adapted to Air Force life except for the fact that he lived at home and his mom still did his laundry. In 1986 Hank was reassigned to the 819th RED HORSE Squadron, at RAF Wethersfield, UK. This assignment was truly the beginning of the next chapter of his life. He left home, traveled to another country and…

Hank met Donna Willsher for the 1st time at a party on base when he came flying through a window, chasing a beer (it was a thing, don’t ask). She asked her friends, “Who is that tan, buff, guy?”. A week later he called Donna, and the love of a lifetime started. They married on October 3, 1987. The new couple moved to Tyndal AFB in Panama City, FL, in 1988 where he continued moving up in his career while taking college classes. They were enjoying their lives but felt that they wanted to add children to the mix which led them to become foster parents to two little girls. The children enriched their lives for 18 months until 1992 when they were assigned to Ramstein AFB in Germany. In their free time they traveled through Europe and most importantly, welcomed their first child, Daniel Charles, on December 26, 1992. In 1996 he was reassigned to the 20th Transportation Squadron at Shaw AFB in South Carolina. Their second son, Aaron Paul arrived on September 16, 1996, completing their family. In 1998 he was sent to Kwang Ju AB in South Korea while Donna and the boys went to England. This was the longest year of his life, being separated from his family. His final assignment brought him back to MacDill AFB in June of 1999 and the family was reunited. He loved being a dad and found such joy in coming home each day, getting down on the floor to greet and play with the boys. Tragedy struck September 11, 1999 when Aaron passed away from Spinal Meningitis. Devastation like this can tear a family apart but Hank, Donna and Daniel’s love and commitment pulled them even closer. Hank completed the Senior NCO Academy in 1999 and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant July, 2003.

Hank was always frugal (we used to say that his wallet was glued to his pocket), and he started planning for the family’s financial future with First Command while in the service. After retirement he pursued a career as a financial advisor and joined First Command to help others as they had him. During his time as an advisor, he guided many people and made many friends.

The family moved to Bellasol in 2015 and found an incredible community of people who quickly became amazing friends; this was their village. In 2016, his health demanded that he stop working. Golfing, while a hobby, was also physical therapy. He enjoyed spending time with the Bush Wackers and other veterans through the VGA.

Hank enjoyed life with friends and family including his brother Jason. They both enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time together as a family with Kim and the kids, Justin and Chloe. Hank and Leslie had a unique relationship. While they loved each other they enjoyed playing pranks. Her son Jacob loved spending time with him, sharing a common love of whiskey.

Hank was an amazing human being.

When asked how to describe him you would think husband, dad, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, honest, hardworking, smart, prankster, control freak, fun loving, dancing fiend, music lover, golfer, motorcycle rider, Mr. Fixit, mechanic, never met a stranger, mentor, inquisitive, loving, supportive, teacher, caring, compassionate, selfless, generous of heart, flirt, approachable… #BE LIKE HANK - dance, play pranks, be a good dad, husband, friend, sibling, and love your community.

Survivors include his wife Donna, son Daniel, sister Leslie Mart, brothers Jason Mart (Kim), Ross Mart, nephews and nieces Jacob Mart, Justin and Chloe Mart, Garrett VanDevender, aunts Sylvia Moss, Deena Moss, cousins Corey Moss (Katie), Danielle Studnik (Eric) and Michael Moss (Judy).

He was preceded in death by his son Aaron Mart, parents Mimi and Gene VanDevender, father Kenny Mart, and maternal grandparents Louise and Gus Braunstein and Chuck Moss, paternal grandparents Henry and Pauline Mart, uncle David Moss, and step brother Gerry VanDevender.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He has me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He revives my soul; He guides me on paths of righteousness for His glory. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no harm, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff do comfort me.

You set a table in sight of my enemies; You anoint my head with rich oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall abide in the house of the Lord forever.

The funeral will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, Florida 33511. Visitation begins at 12:30 PM followed by a funeral service from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. There will be a graveside service following at 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, Florida 33511.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to 1 Voice Foundation, an organization the entire family is very involved with.

www.1voicefoundation.org