Eugene "Gene" Harlan Hobbs, 84 of Washington, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his

loving family on March 28, 2024. He was born on June 12, 1939, in Fancy Farm, Kentucky to Lloyd and

Pauline Hobbs. Gene was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Fancy Farm Golden Gophers.

He earned Honorable Mention on The Courier-Journal All-State Basketball Team in 1955, averaging 30

points per game "without a 3-point line," as he would always remind his family. Even though Gene was a

standout basketball player, he may have been better at baseball, batting a nifty .450. While in Fancy

Farm, Gene found the love of his life, Shirley Shanks. They married April 2, 1956, and moved to Peoria,

IL where they started their family.

Gene is survived by Shirley, his wife of 68 years, children Becky (Bob) Armstrong, Don (Karen) Hobbs,

Sue (Nigel) Shannon, Cindy (Dan) Venegonia, Steve (Angie) Hobbs, and Chris (Wendy) Hobbs, 18

grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one sister, Sue Pierceall.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas Hobbs; daughter, Karen Monk; great grandson,

Peyton Armstrong, two brothers, Harold and Johnny Hobbs; and two sisters, Pat Willett and Linda

Medley.

Gene retired from Caterpillar in 2001 after 20 years in skilled trades. Gene and Shirley are long time

members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Gene was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed

volunteering during the Friday fish fry dinners. Gene loved having family dinners and parties where he

was able to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved the St. Louis

Cardinals and never missed a game.

A service celebrating Gene's life will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Patricks

Church, Washington IL. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. Father John Steffens will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the church. Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington will be handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's School.

In honor of Gene, the family is wearing Cardinal Red. Please join us by sporting your favorite baseball

gear. You may view Gene's obituary and create an online condolence at www.deitersfuneralhome.com