Harlan Babbitt
Harlan Dean Babbitt, 80, of Carlock, passed away at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 6 at Heritage Health in Normal.
Per Harlan’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Bloomington High School building trades department. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Harlan was born on Sept.29, 1934 in Fall City, Neb., a son of John F. And Anna M. Staybel Babbitt. He married Nancy C. Ingle in 1956 in Kansas. She survives. He later married Donita A. Wert in 1991 in Hudson. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Mike (Wanda) Babbitt of Roanoke, Pat (Debbie) Babbitt of Bloomington, Mary Raney of Danvers, Pamela Hill of Carlock; sister, Barbara (John) Parrish of Nebraska; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren and a nephew, Phil Durfee of Nampa, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Susan; a brother Erwin “Bud” Durfee.
Harlan was member of McLean County Farm Bureau and Bloomington Moose Lodge for over 30 years.
He was a carpenter, and builder for many years for Babbitt Construction and Rentals. After retiring, he was a full time WalMart greeter for over seven years. He was very proud of the fact he was the only full-time male door greeter for all Wal-Mart’s in the United States.
Harlan enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing and working on old cars. He also loved spending time with his two dogs Butch & Lucky who preceded him in death.
He will always be deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace.
Online condolences may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Evan Hammer
Evan Jay Hammer, 88, passed away at 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 5 at his home at Bickford House in Bloomington.
His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Luke Union Church in Bloomington with Rev. Andy Gifford officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Monday. Full Military Rites will be accorded by Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Farmers City. Memorials may be directed to St. Luke Union Church or Community Cancer Center.
Jay was born on May 6, 1927 in San Bernadino, California, a son of Lyle and June Helen Thompson Hammer. He married Marilyn Morgan on July 28, 1954 in Farmer City, Ill. She survives.
In addition to his wife, Marilyn, he is survived by his four sons, Craig (Becky) Dawson, LaPlata, Mo, Mark Hammer, Gibson City, Barry (Teri) Hammer, Downs, Kevin (Donna) Hammer, Ellsworth; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Phyllis, Denver, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jay attended schools in Roseville, California and Farmer City. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1950 and his Master’s Degree in 1959, both from Illinois State University. He taught history and social studies at schools in Minier and Illiopolis, and was later a principal at Franklin Elementary and Schneider Elementary/Middle Schools in Farmer City. He became UniServ Director for the Illinois Education Association, where among other duties, he negotiated teacher’s contracts, in 1969 and served until he retired in 1981.
He and Marilyn then sold antiques in Mahomet, LeRoy, and Downs at “The Country Sampler”. He served in the U.S. Navy 1945-1946.
Jay was a member of St. Luke Union Church, and a 29 year member of the American Legion Post in Normal.
The family extends its deepest thanks to the physicians and staff at Dr. Luke Pogue’s Office and the Community Cancer Center, and especially in these last few weeks, to the staffs of Hospice Compassus and Bickford House, who provided compassionate, loving care for Jay through his health issues and made it possible for Jay to spend his last days at home with Marilyn and his family.
Online condolences and memories of Jay may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
