Ronald Hoenes

Ronald Hoenes, 82, of Beardstown, Ill., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at his home. 

He was born on June 17, 1941, in Hannibal, Mo., the son of Paul and Iris Ithema (Pollard) Hoenes. He married Faye Yackley on July 14, 1963, and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Faye, he is survived by his sons, Jeff (Wanda) Hoenes, Vern (Vickey) Hoenes and Cliff (Melinda) Hoenes; grandchildren, Nathan (Jenny) Hoenes, Shayla (Matt) Miller, Caleb Hoenes, Alex Taylor, Oliver Hoenes, Colt Hoenes, Braxton Hoenes and Jade Hoenes; great-grandchildren, Jayla Tennyson, Cannon Hoenes, Creed Hoenes and Emmett Miller; and siblings, Donna (Jack) Thornburg, Rendell (Teri) Hoenes, Dennis (Sue) Hoenes and David Hoenes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandchild, Jackson Hea.

After graduating from Palmyra High School in Missouri, he went to work for Bleigh Construction in Palmyra, Mo. 

Soon after that, Ron enlisted in the Air Force, and after basic and advanced training, he was sent to the Philippine Islands. From there he was sent on temporary duty to Thailand and Vietnam. Once back in the United States, he was stationed at Richard Gebaur Air Force Base south of Kansas City, Mo. While he was there, he worked part-time for Western Electric, sold Fuller Brush products, and attended the Central Institute of Technology. 

Following his discharge, he went to work for the University of Missouri in Colombia. Once DeVry University offered a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, Ron decided that was the next step he wanted to take! So just like that, Ron and Faye moved their lives to Phoenix, Ariz. 

Upon graduation, he and Faye moved to Beardstown. Upon settling down there, Ron then used that degree and worked as a telephone repairman for Illinois Bell (AT&T) for many years, and eventually retired early.

Ron was a member of the Beardstown Jaycees, The Beardstown Exchange Club, and the VFW Post #1239. He was elected to the Beardstown Park District board of directors and served for 25 years. 

Ron was a long-term volunteer for the Scouts. In 2009 he was honored as the Beardstown Fall Fun Festival Grand Marshall. 

Ron was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, was active in Stephen Ministries, served on the St. John’s Cemetery Board, and served as an elder at St. John’s Lutheran Church for several years. 

If Ron wasn’t helping in the community he loved, you would probably find him hunting, fishing or tanning hides. He was an avid fly killer and porch sitter. Ron also loved going out to his farm to work and play in nature, and many would consider him a habitat restorer. Ron was an all-American guy, and he loved his country.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sager Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 21. 

Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral, which will be held at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown, Friday, Sept. 22, with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery. 

Memorials may be left to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the VFW or the Beardstown Park District. 

Sager Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and condolences may be left at www.sagerfuneralhome.com.