Hobart G. Chipman – Davis Funeral Home

Hobart G. Chipman passed away in Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois on Friday, June 21, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Hobart Glenn Chipman was born at home on May 1, 1933, to Clarence and Leoma (Whitaker) Chipman. Hobart was the third of seven children born to parents of high virtue, who made their home on a small farm, northwest of Maywood, Missouri.

The family were members of the Durham United Methodist Church, Durham, Missouri, where Hobart was Baptized as a very young man. Hobart attended the one room Buckhorn School, which was less than a quarter mile from his home; so close that Hobart often would walk home from school to eat lunch. While in class, he would sit, many times, wishing that he were out helping his dad on the farm, instead of sitting in that classroom. After graduating from the 8th grade in Durham school, he began doing what he wanted to do, working on a farm, which he did as a hand for the neighbors.

In May, 1953, Hobart was drafted into the U. S. Army. He began his service in Company K of the 160th regiment attached to the 40th Infantry Division; he was stationed north of the 38th Parallel. Later transferred to the 473 Quartermaster Company at Chuncheon, Korea; and stayed with that unit until his time in the Army was up and returned home in 1955. He recalled that all he wanted to do while in the Army was to come home. Although in later years he was very proud of the fact that he had served.

Back home Hobart again worked as a farm hand and also got a job at the Quincy Paper Mill, in Quincy, Illinois.

In 1959 Hobart and his new wife Wilma, with her two girls, Jeanie and Barb, moved to Ewing, Missouri, where they bought a farm of their own. Hobart and Wilma had a son, Glenn, and the same year they moved into the new house, which Hobart built, along with help of family and friends. Hobart continued working in Quincy, by now at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company until 1972, when he began farming full time; which was always his life’s ambition. Hobart sat on a tractor seat many hours for many years plowing, planting, cultivating, cutting hay, baling hay and checking on his livestock and all sorts of other farm chores. Hobart was good at building fences, and working on his tractors; he enjoyed it.

Sitting down at a meal with family around was very special to him; even in the most ordinary circumstances. He enjoyed visiting, often reminiscing of old times; of his early life, or that of the kids when they were young. Telling stories of his time in the Army. Many times he would insert some of his humor into a story; which would always get a chuckle out of whoever was around. Going out to eat on birthdays was important to Hobart. He dearly enjoyed and appreciated family.

Hobart never really retired completely; with the few cows he kept, he always had projects to do with fencing, gates, painting, mowing grass, gardening and doing repairs.. Hobart enjoyed working with lumber; he enjoyed building gates, putting up wooden corrals, feed troughs, and many other things he made with wood. Everything that Hobart did on his farm, he enjoyed.

A highlight of Hobart’s retirement was in 2012 when he went on the Great River Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his brother, Vearl, also a Korean vet, and his son, Glenn, who acted as guardian to both. Many of Washington D.C’s sites; including the Korean Memorial; Vietnam Memorial; WW II Memorial; Lincoln Memorial and other attractions were seen on that excruciatingly long day. Hobart often wore either his Honor Flight hat or one of his other Korean war hats. He was a member of the Lewis County Memorial Post #578 of the American Legion.

Hobart ate many of his weekday meals at the Ewing Senior Citizens Nutrition Center (which he simply called “Seniors”). He looked forward to going there for many years to eat a good meal and visit with others. He also enjoyed going to the local cafe to eat and see people and jokingly telling others he hoped they had “brought their credit card” so he wouldn’t have to pay.

As Hobart got older, he met a loving companion and lady-friend; Gene Rudd. For nearly 15 years he and she shared their lives; enjoyed each other’s company at meals, shopping, doctor’s appointments, television shows, telephone calls, and passing time with each other. This blessing from God helped each of them escape the burden of loneliness as they grew old together.

Most people who knew Hobart’s will tell you of his unconditional caring and kindness for others. Let us remember Hobart by showing unconditional kindness to others, whether it be family, friend, or stranger – – you will be remembered for it.

Hobart was preceded in death by his parents; Clarence and Leoma Chipman, his brothers; Larry and Vearl Chipman, his sisters; Hazel Chipman and Elvesa Williamson, his brothers in-law; Walt Williamson and Rolla Garkie, and sister in-law Verneal Chipman, his nephew David Garkie, his step-daughter Jeanie Sill, and, his friend and companion; Mrs Gene Rudd.

He is survived by his son; Glenn Chipman of Quincy, Illinois, step-daughter; Barb Cook of Quincy, Illinois, brother; Terry Chipman and wife Barbara of Palmyra, Missouri, sister; Doris Jean Garkie of Quincy, Illinois, along with many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Durham United Methodist Church in Durham, MO with Pastor Rusty Schultz officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Durham Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Ball-Davis Funeral Home in Ewing, MO.

The family suggests memorials be made to Durham Cemetery Association or to Heartland Resources in care of Ball-Davis Funeral Home, P.O. Box 273, Ewing, MO 63440.

Online condolences may be left at www.davis-fh.com.

Pallbearers will be: Bill Abell, Doug Garkie, Cody Sill, Brent Williamson, Donnie Shanks and Jimmy Shanks

Honorary Pallbearer will be: Chester Speer

Music will be provided by: Debbie Faulkner, Vocalist and Jeana Rahe Houchins, Organist
Songs will be: One Day at a Time, Safe in the Arms of Jesus and Road Less Traveled by Lauren Alaina