John R. Henbest, age 77, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 2:43 A.M. on Friday, May 15, 2015 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born on January 28, 1938 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of William Frank and Ruth Louise Stephens Henbest; he was one of fourteen children. He was raised and educated in Rockford, Illinois. He married Thelma (Broadfield) Tabb on September 11, 1984 in Knoxville, Illinois. She preceded him in death on April 11, 2013.
Surviving is a daughter, Diane (Tim) Carter of Knoxville, Illinois, one son, Douglas (Lorrie Kemp) Tabb of Streamwood, Illinois; three grandchildren, Rodney Carter, Jenny (Mike) Ellinger, and Bethany McGraw; four grandchildren, Ava, Emi, Bella, Addison and Ryne; three sisters, six brothers, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sisters and brothers.
He served in the United States Army. He attended the University of Illinois for four years, a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and was an avid Illini Basketball fan. He formerly owned and operated the former Torley Hardware Store in Monmouth, Illinois, then worked for the former VanCamp Hardware, and then he was currently working as a salesman for the KT Industries servicing the Blaine’s Farm & Fleet Stores. John was a talented, caring and unselfish man who loved helping family and friends with any projects or problems that arose, even taking care of his ailing wife for over 20 years. He was always by her side. He treasured his family and friends. He was a member of the Court Street Methodist Church in Rockford, Illinois.
Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois with visitation from 10:30 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois. Rev. David Shreeves officiating. Fellowship will be held at the Hurd-Hendricks Fellowship Center. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. On-line condolences or sympathy cards may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com
