John R. Hakes

On Sunday, October 22, 2023 John Robert Hakes, 72, of Colona, IL, flew away to God’s celestial shore to be with Jesus. John was a Christian, beloved father and grandfather, respected businessman, and friend to everyone.

John was born to Robert and Emma Crumb Hakes on March 20, 1951 in Norwich, NY.  He graduated from South Otselic High School in New York in 1969 where he enjoyed playing soccer, baseball, and basketball. During high school he discovered that he liked to do construction and eventually began his own construction business.  John’s greatest joys in life were being with family and friends, telling jokes, singing, and playing piano.

After meeting on the college campus of State University of New York at Geneseo, New York, John married Ruth Elaine Bateman on August 19, 1972 in Waterloo, NY.  In 1977, they moved to Illinois.  They have four children, Margaret, Nathaniel, Daniel, and Rachel.

John joins his parents, sister, Rebecca, nephews, Dennis and Asa, and niece, Kelly, in heaven.  He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his children, Margaret, Nathaniel (Soon Sim), Daniel (Andrea), and Rachel (Matthew), his grandchildren, David, Jordan, Hannah, Maya, Josie, Ava, Emma, Amanda, and Rebekah, his brothers, Dewey (Gloria), Bruce (Lonnie), Roger (Elaine), and Charles (Marcia), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  JOHN 3:16

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of John may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at PO Box 3000  Boone, NC  28607.