Charles Edward Hubbartt

Charles (Chuck) Edward Hubbartt, 92, of Shelbyville, IL, entered his eternal home Saturday morning, April 30, 2022. He was pronounced dead at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center at 8:05 a.m. Even at 92, his death came as a surprise to those closest to him, as Chuck was in good spirits and playing his harmonica just days before his death. He also shared with others his lifetime of experiences defying the odds in which he not only survived but thrived. 

Charles was born October 1, 1929, in Stewardson, the son of Franklin M. and Waneta Jane (Rentfro) Hubbartt. He was the oldest of eight and left the house at age 16 to work as a farmhand and help lighten the load at home. He developed a lifelong respect and love for his employers, Shelby area residents, Tom and Beulah Grove (now deceased). As a teen, Chuck also worked as a bridge and building carpenter for the Wabash Railroad and at age 18, he enlisted in the United States Army. Charles spent 20 years proudly serving as an active serviceman including six years in Germany and two tours of duty in Korea. He earned the respect of countless men he trained for combat, as well as the officers he served. Many became Chuck’s lifelong friends who enjoyed re-connecting with one another at annual reunions. Retiring as a Master Sergeant, Charles served 21 more years as a Senior and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) instructor. Even today, young men and women who graduated from ROTC programs in Waukegan and Mattoon, remember the impact “Sergeant Hubbartt,” had on their lives. Two of those students, who remained in contact the past 40 years, will be travelling from other states to serve as their sergeant’s pallbearers. Many local residents remember Charles in his “retirement years” as a long-time school bus driver for Shelbyville schools and as a talented repairman and house painter. He also put his handyman skills to work for every church of which he was a member, including Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville where he spearheaded several improvement projects. Chuck was never one to watch much television and the only “sports” that caught his attention were occasional fishing trips or mushroom hunts. Chuck’s interests centered around a hard day’s work, providing for his family, serving and socializing with others. 

Charles married local girl Norma Jean (Prosser) Hubbartt in 1950 while on leave from his military assignment in Germany. They remained married more than 71 years and together, raised three daughters and foster parented three of Chuck’s younger siblings. Charles is survived by his children: Cheryl (James) Schrock of Shelbyville, Deborah (Charles, deceased) Hoem of Grayslake and Cynthia (Bryant) Haney of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Adam (Jennifer) Schrock of Shelbyville and Erin Haney of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren: Carter and Tori Schrock of Shelbyville; sisters: Betty (Richard) Tucker of Mattoon, Mary Ann (Don, deceased) Gallamore of Vandalia and stepbrother Robert (Audrine) Hubbartt of Effingham.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean; his parents; three sisters:  Doris Jean Hubbartt, Elsie May (Fred) Miller and Loretta Fay (Bud) Boyd; two brothers:  Donald Hubbartt and Carl (Max) Hubbartt and one grandson, Clayton Haney.

Besides being an active church member and lifelong believer, Charles served as a community volunteer and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Shelby County Historical Society and Shelby County Honor Guard.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville with Pastor Nathan Woolery officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made in Charles’ name to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Shelby County Honor Guard and mailed to Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565.  Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

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