Eugene Hobby, age 94, of rural Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 at Roseville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Roseville, Illinois. He was born June 2, 1928, south of Raritan, Illinois, the son of Evelyn Covert Hobby Armstrong. On June 5, 1947, he married the love of his life, Elma Owsley at the Old Bedford Church, rural Blandinsville, Illinois. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Coni Hobby (fiancé Dan Sigwart) of Macomb, IL; three granddaughters, Julie (Jason) Greep, Rhonda Engle, and Cami Hobby; three grandsons, Dustin (Thea) Hobby, Michael Hupp and Aaron Hobby; six great granddaughters, Emily, Alexx, Rachelle, Candice, Sydney, and Raelynn; four great grandsons, Ben, Cole, Elijah, and Dylan; two great great grandchildren, Lucy and Thomas; one daughter in law, Rhonda Hobby of Media, IL; one brother, Gary (Doris) Armstrong of Roseville, IL; one sister, Carlyn (Phil) Anders of Raritan, IL; and one sister in law, Evelyn Owsley. He was preceded in death by his mother, two sons, Ron and Rick Hobby, sisters in law, Ann Butterfield and Margaret Lovitt, and brothers in law, Richard and Robert (Bob) Owsley.
Gene began his married life helping relatives with their farming, but in the 1950’s, he was given the opportunity to farm the land he ultimately was able to purchase through the years, fulfilling his childhood dream. Another dream was to farm with his sons, which was also realized for a few years. He was grateful for these years, but sad that it was for such a short time. He loved all aspects of life and spent many hours throughout the years volunteering at his church and in his community. He was a member of the former Old Bedford Christian Church, where he served as deacon and treasurer for many years. After the closure of Old Bedford, he attended the Raritan Baptist Church. He also served as a trustee for Raritan Township for many years.
A beloved grandpa, Gramps had unlimited patience with his grandchildren, spending hours following them around the barn lot, showing them baby kittens, swinging and playing games with them,(croquet was a favorite). His children remember him as a wonderful example, patient, and a teacher of good character. Family members remember him for his kindness and love shown to all, never saying anything bad about anyone. A quiet, sweet man who loved God, his family, neighbors and friends, always lending a helping hand. A fine example to those of us who loved him so much.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, with Rev. Lee Unger and Aaron Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Raritan Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for the Stronghurst-Raritan Ambulance Service and the Raritan Baptist Church. Please visit Gene’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
