I was deeply saddened by the news that Chris had left this world - the almighty one must have needed his help in fixing something.   I met Chris around 2003 when ATS was beginning to cover maintenance in bldg LL.  The plan to explore and gather rocks from my old woods and creek, now the back yard where the Hobbs live, began on a hot summer day.  I brought a refrigerator dolly in case we found a good rock.  We went up the creek (with out a paddle) and found a doosy that we had to have.  Fighting the weight of the stone down stream and up the hill towards Chris' house - we tired and left the rock close to the top, swearing we would go back and get it, but we never did.  The dolly had a bent axle and uprights from the weight, but I use it to this day when I harvest deer.  That day I met his family and learned I have the same name as his daughter,  who I didn't see again until last year at the Throttle when she turned of age and was celebrating with Chris and Jeanelle, whom had just left her post at the high school after many years where she helped lots of school age kids who forgot something a parent would bring to school - like my Cali did.  Chris and I had many common connections in our networks from way back including Floyds hardware store, and EP families we knew.  He was built with a never say quit - backing words with action - giving respect and fairness to all - hard charging - supportive - work hard / play hard - always looking towards the positive - civil and intelligent character and left a charitable touch of his personality with every one he met.  I share the sorrow of your families loss, and hope there is some way my family can help you heal your hearts over time- while we can be thankful for the great memories and blessings you had and for sharing Chris with the rest of us - thank you very much !

Sorry to hear about your loss you are in our prayers and thoughts 

Chris,
You were the best Dad ever and all around nice guy. You will be deeply missed by family and friends. 
RIP Chris, 
Love Patti and Rick Streeter

Funny story, I remember years ago I was on vacation in Illinois and was staying with my uncle chris, he asked if I could do something in his attic above the garage don’t remember what exactly, but I do recall him saying only step on the studs!!! Me being pretty young I didn’t really know what he was talking about... so long story short I stepped on the drywall ceiling and came crashing through onto the garage floor breaking a huge hole in the garage ceiling. I remember exactly what he said to this day. I said step on the studs dummy not the drywall!!! LOL he asked you know how to fix drywall? I was probably 12. Definitely a memory for the books. 

Jeanelle...Matt...Morgan...There are no words that could truly convey my sincere heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your sudden and heartbreaking loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Chris was an amazing man....talented, caring, devoted and always giving of himself. Chris and I have worked together for over 15 years and he was always someone you could depend on whatever the need. He was a friend when you needed it, a resource when you were in question and a jokester when you needed a laugh. He was loved and thought highly of by so many of us and we will miss him dearly. 

Thank you for sharing so many of your photos memories with all of us who knew him...he was truly blessed with a beautiful family that we all knew he loved more that anything! 🙏🏻💗

Chris...I will miss passing you in the hallways and your quick hellos...I will miss seeing you and Matt sharing lunch together in the break area  and I will missing seeing your face light up when I’d tell you were blessed with a beautiful family but I’m thankful to have known you..the amazing caring man that you were. Rest In Peace my friend...until we meet again!🙏🏻

Suzie Carbone

I met Chris through ATS a little over 8 years ago. He was always welcoming and funny. I will continue to laugh at our moments when I would be by his desk waiting for a conference room. Our small talk conversations always ended with a laugh and your day was a little better after. Chris will be truly missed!  

Since my childhood, The Hobbs have been a like a second family to me. I remember Chris coaching little league softball for Morgan and I and the countless hours I spent at their house. Chris is dearly missed and I’m sending all my love and prayers to his family. 

Matt
Sorry for your loss.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  

There are so many cherished memories of Chris that will forever live in my heart. We grew up together. I had to play with Chris &  the other boys in the neighborhood because all the girls were already in school. I was so happy when Chris & Jeanelle started dating. I knew they would get married. They loved each other very much. Chris definitely turned out to be a dignified terrific husband & Dad.  He was full of life, personality & always wanted to make everyone laugh. He was so hilarious. Never a dull moment when all of the family was together celebrating birthdays or holidays.  So many great times boating & enjoying our families being together. Chris is loved by many people & always will be.  I'm grateful to have shared so many wonderful memories with him. Chris will be dearly missed, loved & forever in our hearts. I love you Nellie, Matt, & Moe very much.

Here are a few photos of our hike with Chris in Colorado.
We really had such a nice day. We went hiking and walked down
on the Pearl street mall out side in Boulder. 
We went for lunch afterwards and connected and had a few beers. 
Good times with my cousin 


Jerry Lyons 
He will be missed ! 



When I first married Jerry Lyons I can remember meeting the Hobbs family for the first time. 
I was so happy to see that Jerry had such nice cousins and that they were warm in there heart. 
Chris was always kind and fun to be around. Even though we didn't get to spend a lot of time together I was very found of him and grateful for the time we had. 
He will be missed. 

My heart goes out to all of the family 
Love 
Kelly Lyons XXOO

Chris,
What a great family man, cousin and friend.
Chris was always available to help no matter what. 
I really admired his ability to do anything.
I will really miss him.

I am sending out my deep condolences to the family from 
my heart. 

Quick Story: I can remember when Chris was very young and Aunt Margie  wouldn't take his  training wheels of his bike. 
I took Chris to the next street and took them off. There he 
went down the street like a bird no more training wheels. 



Chris took my son, Oscar, to his very first Motocross (or was it Supercross?) race. Oscar was so excited to come home and show me his new racing jersey and share his excitement from the evening. I think it was the first time he had Chick-fil-A, too! We are very grateful for the memories.  My deepest condolences to my dear cousin Nellie, Matt, and Morgan.

I am so  sorry to hear about Chris’s passing. I have many childhood memories that include Chris and you. Since we grew  up  a block away and in the same grade, our paths crossed many times. I pray you find strength to get through this moment. Pamela (Blair)

Chris Hobbs was someone who came into my working life that made a very big impact on me. He had the incredible ability to make you feel that you were part of his team and genially cared about you as a teammate and individual. His technical abilities and leadership skills were the best I have ever witnessed. He would get to know you on a personal level and truly cared about the good things and bad things that you had going one. He demonstrated this one time when I had cut my finger in the shop and then realized I had a flat tire on my truck. Seeing that I would have had a difficult time changing a tire he said “ Well we need to change that tire”. He changed it for me and made realize that he was truly a kind and considerate man willing to help anyone in need.  He by far was one of the best bosses that I ever worked for.
I knew what a great family man he was and it was truly an inspiration to see this.
When I heard the news of his passing I was truly devastated and my heartfelt sympathies go out to the Hobbs family 

R.I.P Chris as I considered you not only a great boss but a true friend ...Hope you are riding in heaven 

I first met Chris, (my cousin), when he was brought from the hospital to the Navy Pier Marina by his proud dad to show the family who were gathered there for the weekend, so he was at the river before he went home for the first time, probably where his love for boating started. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Margie both worked, so my mom would watch Chris when he was younger. In the summer when I was out of school, I drug that boy all over the property, me on my dirt bike and him in his purple Corvette pedal car at the end of a rope hollering for me to go faster Usually one or both of us ended up scraped, bruised but laughing. He used to help me work on the bike and his car, and was always interested in how things work,  a sure sign of a future "fixer" and problem solver, which he excelled at later. He was always around at the river in the summers, fishing, swimming, skiing, enjoying life on the river with his big sister Vickie, cousin Patty, and the extended family. When he grew up and later married Nellie, he made sure Matt and Morgan had the same opportunities and appreciation for outdoor fun with the family close by. He was always available if you needed help, and kept his sense of humor at the ready at all times. When I retired early from Cat in 2015, Chris called me before I had even officially retired to ask me to work for ATS as a Technical Trainer. It was a great job, as I could set my own hours, take off when I wanted, but still get to travel across the US, as well as a month in India and a 2 week assignment to England that lasted 2 years. All the while, he was a great boss, always available if you needed something and always willing to let you try something if you though it would benefit ATS.
The future is going to be a lot different without him, and its going to take a long time for the pain to ease, how do you say goodbye to someone who was like a little brother to you, as well as cousin,
boss, and most importantly, friend?        I don't know....

Chris Hobbs was one of a kind, in all of the best ways. He was a mentor, a fierce and honest friend, a fun co-worker and the best neighbor a person could even want. Chris loved to fight for the little guy, the new employees, people who needed help and guidance. He had a quick wit and could get you laughing at the drop of a hat.

The legacy of Chris Hobbs is strong and he will live in everyone he touched.

Thoughts and prayers to Jeanelle, Matthew and  Morgan.

For All Times…Brent, Rachel and Tatum Livek


Janelle:

So sorry for your loss.  If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.   You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ron and Lisa Lovett

So so sorry to hear of Chris' passing.  We lived next door to Jerry and Marge Hobbs for 10 years.  We were there when Chris was born.  Our kids played with Vickie Hobbs even though she was a little older than they.  We had a wonderful life on jay Street.  Many fond memories of all of our neighbors there.  I remember that i had Chris' son when I became a substitute teacher after retiring from District #86.  Prayers for the family.  He was a sweet little boy on Jay Street.



Jeanelle, Matt, and Morgan,

Chris and I met back in 1998. We immediately became friends and I always admired his knowledge of machine tools which went well beyond his years. He never stopped learning. 
Meeting his family as the years went by was also special and seeing both Matt and Morgan grow into fantastic adults that their parents could be proud of showed the "Family" aspect of what Chris and Jeanelle put together. 
I am deeply sorry to hear of Chris's passing. No doubt he was truly A Man Among Men! 
God Bless this Family as they deal with this loss and help them to keep the memories of Chris as a Father and a Husband always close to their hearts. 

Jack Rabun 

My Uncle Chris was like a cooler big brother when we were younger. I would come up from Florida and stay with him, Dick and Grandma Margie during the summer and holidays. My fondest memories were of cookouts at our Aunt Wanda's and Uncle Lloyd's, exploring the woods and of course, his sense of adventure with helping build forts in the boonies! As we got older and our own families grew, we had fun getting together in Florida and Ilinois. The Hobbs met my family down in the Keys a few years back and we had quite the adventure... exploring the flats and visiting Key West.

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to all his family as we will miss him dearly! I will forever hear him say "Oh huh" - love you forever and always!

Your niece, 
Steph

Chris was 14 when I entered the family. Weekends at Lloyd and Wanda's with Marge, Dick and Grandpa Farley next door were SO fun back then. It was cool to see the next generation of cousins continuing a tight bond. 
One precious memory was the year John and Chris put on their own little private 4th of July show for grandparents and the kids of both our families. I'm certain John and Chris were just as excited as the kids by each boom and burst! Then of course there is the memory of how dedicated the Hobb's were to help reclaim the Boonie's jungle. Our family helped some, but your family worked hours upon hours to  tame and bring back the magic of that enchanted overgrown wooded haven to the next generation. It was also during this time we discovered what a fire loving pyromaniac Jeanelle is! 
I have always loved hearing Lloyd talk with such pride at how he might have "done something right" in that little Muller Road garage by passing on his mechanical, and problem solving skills to Buddy, John and Chris for as gifted as they all  became professionally. Those same skills along with the Farley  "no challenge or task too difficult" ingenuity, and artistic talent have been passed on to virtually every member of the family since!   
Chris has been a blessing and encourager to SO many whose lives he impacted and touched in such profound ways. Moving forward from this devastating loss will be SO difficult, Jeanelle, Matt, Morgan, Hanna and Vicki. We all know just how much Chris lived his life to the absolute fullest, taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy his family, friends and life's moments. We want you to know, (along with SO many others who love you guys), that we promise to be there in the difficult days and moments that lie ahead. 
I'm praying for future happiness which I know seems impossible right. However, I know this would be Chris's greatest desire for each of you. I'm also praying for God to bring the comfort, peace and hope that only He can provide.

I have many great memories of time spent with the Hobbs family.  You all have my deepest sympathy. 

Kelly

There are so many great memories of Chris.  We had the best times at family gatherings,  laughing at Chris's stories, having a beer,  grilling on the patio, hanging out in the garage.   On a trip to Arizona,  Chris took us off roading and Chris, Nellie, Matt, Morgan,  Andy, and I had a picnic on the Verde river and watched the wild horses wade in the water.  Peaceful beauty on a hot June day.  When I think of Chris,  his exemplary character, his many talents, his charm, his wit, his love of family and sense of adventure come to mind. There will never be just one favorite memory for me.    There will never be another man like him. He was one of a kind and I am grateful for being a part of his life.  

We were so lucky to have many years of having Chris and Jeanelle as neighbors. Cannot count the times that we would be considering a project or trying to fix something, and I would ask my husband to “go ask Chris”, “have you asked Chris?”, or “Chris might know”, and Chris always helped and offered guidance with patience. One night, we got home from a trip at 1 a.m. It was the blizzard back in 2000/2001 there was 15 inches of snow covering the driveway. Chris came out and shoveled to help us get into the garage with our infant daughter. I couldn’t believe the kindness - and he did it with a smile, even at 1 a.m.! Jeanelle, Morgan, and Matt - much love to all of you. 

Jeanelle, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May cherished memories and loving family and friends guide you through the days ahead. 

Jeanelle, Matthew, and Morgan I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories always be a blessing and may you find peace during this difficult time. We will miss seeing him on Jay Street and hope you know we are here if you need anything at all.

"To love another person is to see the face of god." Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Mike McLinden

I remember Chris as one of the lighter wrestlers  at East Peoria who would never let anyone outwork him. When we conditioned at the end of practice, he always touched the lines and basically ran through the wall,  never cutting a corner.  He also always seemed to keep a positive attitude even when things got tough.  

My prayers go out to your family as they grieve the loss of a great man.  Rest in Heaven my friend...



Thanks for letting my daughter, Hanna Harrmann to be a part of your family. She truly loved going boating and snowmobiling with all of you and your friends. I am sure Matt will continue those traditions in your memory.  RIP 

Jeanelle & Family...So sorry to hear of your loss. Chris was one of the nicest guys I knew at EPCHS.  Chris and your family will be in my prayers. 

Chris and I met in kindergarten and have  remained best friends.  We dug holes and buried a playboy magazine. We learned to ride bikes and motorcycles together. I felt like part of the family as I was always included on weekends at Aunt Wanda’s.  As teenagers I remember skipping school and taking a ride on Chris’s dads motorcycle (by the way we got caught).  We both loved playing little league baseball and wrestling in junior high and high school. What a surprise when I found out that he was dating that cute little Nellie that lived next door to me.  We had children close in age and I was very proud when they asked me to be Morgan’s godfather.  We coached our daughters in softball together.  So many more memories to cherish.  Jeanelle, Matthew, and Morgan your always in my thoughts and prayers.  RIP my friend until we meet again. 

Janel, my sympathies to you and your family.  Saw Chris many times working for Jeff.  

Diana Gualandi

I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember many early morning softball games sitting with Chris watching Morgan and Abbey play.  Chris was always ready to help Abbey improve her game. He was kind and funny and always had a great story to share. Our prayers go out to the Hobbs Family.
Stacy and Abbey Sells

Nellie, Matt and Morgan,

Even though Chris was technically my second cousin, he was much more like a brother. We grew up together, spending summers at grandmas, exploring the woods and fighting like siblings! Since I haven’t lived in Peoria for so long, we didn’t see each other so often the last several years but I am incredibly thankful that we all got to go to the KISS concert last year together. I’ll always cherish that memory.  I’m heartbroken that we all have to continue on without Chris in our lives. Matt, Morgan and Jeanelle, I have always loved seeing the close bond you all have had and I hope that bond will get you through this awful time. Love you all and I will always be there for you. 
I’m including a sweet picture of you guys at my wedding in 2000.

I've always enjoyed every chance I had to be around Chris. The man really did have the best core values around. Recently i reached out to him about a career move, and he gave me the courage to persue it. Although I never got the chance to spend a lot of time with him, the time I did spend was worth it! We're gonna miss you Chris.

I remember meeting Chris for the first time shortly after I started working with him about 26 years ago.  At that time he was traveling like crazy working in all kinds of different plants on all kinds of different equipment.  Chris was the type of guy who could go into a manufacturing plant (that he had never been in before), work with people (who he did not know) and find solutions to complex problems (some problems were technical...some were more people oriented).  In those early days Chris had a lot of passion for everything he did and you knew it immediately...and if you didn't have that same level of drive and energy he was surely going to let you know.  I learned a great deal working with Chris and I know that nothing was more important to him that his family and his friends.  

My thoughts are with his family and I can only hope that they will come to find comfort in the time he was in their life.  He was a great father, husband and friend and he left a legacy with all of the people he touched during his short time with us.  

You guys are our second family and Chris was like a second father to Auston, Ashlynne, and I. I love all of you and to not be there with you is so hard, I’m going to miss when we would all come up to your house and sit outside in the summer joking around those where such amazing times. I love you guys so much we will always be a family. 

Jeanelle, Matt, and Morgan,
  
Reading through these memories that family, friends, and colleagues have of Chris is proof he was an exceptional, stand up man.  How proud you all must be to have had a husband and father like Chris.  He has built the strong foundation for all of your lives preparing you for the future, and will always walk beside you in all of life’s journeys that lie ahead.  Thank you for sharing him with Micah, he was truly one of his best friends.  

With love,
Lacey Statler

Thinking of the Hobbs family in this unimaginable time. Chris was such an amazing person. His kindness and positive energy was radiant. I am blessed to have gotten to know him. He was always willing to share his knowledge with people. I’ll always remember Chris and all the fun times we had and jokes he told. He’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met. You will truly be missed Chris! 

Please if you have any photos, add them with a memory you shared with my Dad. 

I met and worked with Chris at ATS - he is truly one of the nicest, kindest people I know.  He was so welcoming and positive.  A joy to work with and be around.  A total gentleman.   My thoughts are with family and friends of Chris during this time.   

Dear Jeanelle, Matt and Morgan,

Please accept my deepest sympathy.  We've shared some of our happiest family times together.  And, some of our saddest.  You are such a special family to so many of us.

Sincerely, 
Mary Ann Tipton

My deepest condolences to the family. Chris was the person that hired me into the ATS family. He was always fair and considerate to everyone. I sincerely enjoyed working with him in all his roles at ATS. I wish there were something we could do to bring him back, but he is tended to by the Lord now and apparently He decided to call him home. May you find solace in the fact he is in a better place now.

Sorry about your loss, prayers are with your family. From the The Brackney Family

Chris was an absolutely fantastic man. In the short times we would spend together in meetings and projects he was kind, wicked smart, passionate, and was going to do the right thing. He treated people with respect no matter how high or low they're formal title was. He was never too busy to pause and teach you something and answer a question.  He freely shared his hard earned knowledge and wisdom with anyone curious enough to ask.

I am so sorry to the family and friends left behind. My prayers are going out to y'all. Chris will be missed.

We are very sad to hear of your loss and have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike & Laura Belgiorno

What can I say about my cousin.  He came into our family when some of us were teenagers.  He was the cutest little boy you ever saw and was spoiled by all of us including his sister Vicki  .   As a family we all spent our weekends on the river.  And we had family cookouts at my parents all the time in the Boonies(woods behind their house).  We have all grown up and got married and had kids so we didnt see each other all the time but we were family.  When someone needed something Chris was there.  I will never forget you  Chris and you are loved by so many.  we will watch over your family for you and give your MOM and Dad a big hug from me  .   Rest in peace cousin (little Chris as my Mom called him)  

I coached baseball and softball with Chris. We had so many good days with the kids. He was always happy to be helping the kids. Me and my family will always remember him and his family. Our prayers will go out to his family.

To the family he will be missed and may he never be forgotten. I first meet Chris at my orientation at the corporate office my very first day, Jeff was answering questions. I asked Jeff why we aren't doing more with robots and he said talk to Chris, to myself who is Chris and why talk to him. I found out later that he cared and he would not just leave me hanging and he didn't. That meant a lot to me and was one of the reasons I stayed with ATS, thanks Chris you will be missed.   

My thoughts and prayers to the family. Chris will be greatly missed!

Prayers go out to family.. as with any loss there`s always that thought.. What could I have done to prevent this.. Chris as anyone that knew him, was like me.. No Hill too Big ..for a Climber!
He was not shy nor did he know limits. We rode and wheeled together countless times.. afterwards, we would talk for hours and days about how crazy we were, for doing the things we did..  
But we all agreed that`s Living Life to its Fullest and  
"Its better to Burn out than Fade away"
Thoughts go out to Chris`s family as they will Miss him as we all will..  He was a very special person, Great Husband, Dad.. 
I am blessed to have known such a wonderful person and spent quality time with him every time we were together. He taught me several things and I took .. most of what Chris said to me seriously.. You know Chris.. there`s always the smirk that he`s trying to pull one over on ya, if he can. 
Miss you Chris and some day ill join you and we will ride and have fun again my Friend. Until then..  God Bless and Be safe every one.

My thoughts and prayers to this very fine and thoughtful family. Chris was a good friend and always a role model for me in my professional and personal life. His technical abilities and experience will always be something I remember him for and respect him for. 
 His family is a role model for all families because of their incredible closeness, love for one another, and how they did everything together.
RIP in peace Chris Hobbs I will miss you.
 

OBITUARY

Christopher Roger Hobbs

9 July, 1970 – 28 February, 2021

Remmert Funeral Home

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