Donald Edward Hobbs, formerly of West Frankfort
Mr. Donald Edward Hobbs, 87, formerly of West Frankfort, passed away at his home in Kernersville, N.C., on Aug. 6, 2025. Born in Eichorn, Ill., he was the son of the late James and Ora Irene (Partain) Hobbs.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jo Ann (Baczewski); and his children, Sherri (Noel) Enneking of Cincinnati, Ohio, Steve (Amy) Hobbs of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Joey Hobbs (Al Tennett) of West Hartford, Conn. He was “Paco” to his grandchildren, Elizabeth Enneking, Linden Hobbs, Madelyn Hobbs and John Enneking.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy, and his nephew, Greg.
Don spent his formative years working on the family farm, before attending the University of Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1961. While at the U of I, Don was enrolled in the ROTC and received a commission as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. After his years of military service, he taught at various high schools across southern Illinois while also earning a Master of Education degree. His longest tenure as a teacher was at Frankfort Community High School (FCHS), where he taught agriculture, introductory science and vocational arts courses. While employed at FCHS, he also led the FFA and 4H chapters as a faculty sponsor. Outside of work, Don was involved in his community through St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the VFW.
Don retired from FCHS in 2006 to move to North Carolina. The ground in North Carolina was far different than the black soil of Illinois, but he put his farming skills to work to coax a bounty of vegetables from the red clay dirt in his backyard. He generously shared his abundant harvest with family, friends and neighbors. Don built community in his new hometown through attendance at Holy Cross Catholic Church, volunteering at Sedge Garden Elementary School, and serving as the resident lawn mower for his neighbors. He was a person anyone could count on to fix a broken lawn implement or to loan a needed tool. His kindness and generosity will be missed.
The family will receive friends at Jefferson-Pierce Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or plant a tree or vegetable in memory of Don’s passion for gardening. Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at piercejeffersonfh.com.