Raymond J. Hobbs

Raymond J. Hobbs, 83, of Galesburg, died at 9:20 a.m. Saturday September 3, 2011 at home. Raymond was born May 4, 1928 in Missouri to Viola Hobbs.  He married Josephine C. Buescher on July 3, 1970.  He is survived by his wife, Jo of Galesburg; a son, Leo (Shirley) Buescher of Galesburg; 2 daughters, Cathy Sutliff of Colorado Springs, CO and Beth (Rodney) Halstrom of Fairfax, VA; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Ray served in the United States Army for almost 30 years, serving in World War II, Korea, and in the DMZ in Vietnam.  While serving in Vietnam he received the Purple Heart.  He retired a Sergeant First Class on July 31, 1974.  After his service in the US Army, Ray worked for the city of Galesburg at the airport for many years, until his retirement.   Ray was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A funeral mass for Ray will be 1 p.m. Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, where military rites will be performed.  Visitation will be 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Watson Funeral Home.  The Rosary will be prayed for Ray at 7:30 p.m.   Memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy or to St. Vincent DePaul Society.  Visit www.watsonfh.net to share condolences.