Forrest Sr. Hampsmire

Forrest Hampsmire, Sr., 84, of Galesburg, died Monday morning at 8:50 a.m. December 20, 2010 at home with his family by his side. Forrest was born on August 26, 1926 in Hull, Illinois the son of Arthur and Sylvia (Hooper) Hampsmire.  He married Berneice Gemming on September 23, 1950 in Carthage IL.  He is survived by his wife, Berneice of Galesburg;  2 sons, Samuel (and Linda) Mason of Palmyra, MO and Bryan (and Rosetta) of Springfield; 2 daughters, Susan Martinson and Sylvia (and Robert) Wade both of Galesburg; and a sister, Shirley Smith of Lincoln.  Forrest is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, a one great great grandchild on the way.  He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and a great great grandson. Forrest served in the US Army from 1945 to 1949.  He was a truck driver and loved being in his semi.  He also farmed in the area for many years.  He enjoyed fishing and camping, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Watson Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.  Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday December 23, 2010 at Watson Funeral Home with Rev. Jon Keck officiating.  Private family burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Warsaw, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.