Thomas "Tom" Eugene Hobbs, 65 of Washington, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 10:32 AM on Monday, August 29, 2022.

He was born on September 27, 1956, in Peoria, IL to Gene and Shirley (Shanks) Hobbs of Washington, IL. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and graduated from Washington Community High School High School in 1974.

After High School, Tom went through the apprentice program at Caterpillar.  But his love of cars took him out of the factory and into a 40-year career in the automotive business.  Tom started his career at Uftring Chevrolet as a salesman and rose up through the ranks to become General Manager at Uftring Chevrolet and then the Uftring Automall.  During his time at Uftring Tom received numerous awards and won many trips. He would always talk about his trip to Hawaii. Tom also worked at John Bearce Automotive where he managed the used car lot along with other office duties.

Besides his love of cars, Tom loved to play and record music.  He was a skilled guitar player.  His first band was formed in his basement with his high school friends. He would say one of his biggest music accomplishments was recording with Lee Greenwood in Nashville.  Later in his music career Tom helped many local artists record their music in his home studio.

Tom is survived by daughter, Erin (Matt) McMurray; his son, Thomas (Adaline) Hobbs; his parents, Gene and Shirley Hobbs; his brothers and sisters, Becky (Bob) Armstrong, Don (Karen) Hobbs, Sue (Nigel) Shannon, Cindy (Dan) Venegonia, Steve (Angie) Hobbs, and Chris (Wendy) Hobbs; his grandsons, Connor and Jackson; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Monk and his grandparents.

A service celebrating Tom's life will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 2, 2022 at Dieters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL.  Father John Steffen will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to service time at Noon on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's School or OSF NICU.