Robert "Bob" William Hacker

Born October 29, 1928 in Pekin to Edward Hugo and Mabel Virginia (Farrow) Hacker, he married Marie A. Simpson on November 17, 1949 in Pekin. She died July 15, 2018 in Pekin. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Virginia Anderson on September 11, 2022; one son, William Hacker on April 26, 2011; one great-grandson, Logan Hacker; one sister, Donna Downey; one brother, Clarence Hacker; one infant brother, Edward and his stepsister, Evelyn Borders.

Surviving are three grandchildren, Angie Vance of Mahomet, Chris (Liza) Jones of Byram Township, New Jersey and William “Billy” (Amanda) Hacker of Pekin; four great-grandchildren, Hayley and Kody Vance, Leslie Jones and Blake Hacker and his sister-in-law, Toddy Long of Pekin.

Bob was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving in Japan during WWII. He was also a life member of the Empire Lodge 126, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Pekin, Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite and William Schaefer American Legion Post #44 in Pekin.

He had worked at Corn Products Co. and Pekin Energy for 47 years as a machinist before retiring March 1, 1992. He was a member of the Pioneer Club at Corn Products. He later worked as a driver at the Morton Auction.

He loved sitting at the river and watching the eagles from afar and was a frequent visitor to Ernie’s restaurant a few times a week. Bob also enjoyed watching his great-grandson play hockey and loved going to Prime Time Country Opry at Olympia High School to watch shows for many decades.

Bob was known for his orneriness and ability tease and prank people, while driving around town and pulling up to houses and honking his horn.

Masonic rites will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory. His funeral will immediately follow. Pastor Stephen Greer will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Military rites will be provided by the United States Air Force and Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com