Howard Gaddis

Howard Eugene Gaddis, 94, of Chatham, IL, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:59 A.M. Sunday, October 5, 2025. He was born June 14, 1931, in Stockland, IL, the son of Norville R. and Margurite L. (Courtney) Gaddis. He married Betty Huckleby on February 24, 1951, at the First Baptist Church in Hoopeston. He later married Marjorie E. (Baker) Judy on June 9, 1964, and she preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Sandra Kay Gaddis; three brothers, Tom, Jim, and Butch; and two brothers-in-law, Russell Anderson and Alvin Wilson.

He is survived by his children, David (Penny) Gaddis of Hoopeston, IL, Vickie Gaddis of Hoopeston, IL, Tammy (Keith) Hall of Springfield, IL, Rita South of Springfield, IL, and Jim (Kim) Judy of Ashley, IL; sister, Lulabell Anderson of Boswell, IN; step-sister, Leona Wilson; two sisters-in-law, Joy Gaddis and Barb Gaddis; brother, Rodney (Gina) Gaddis of Monticello, IN; step-brother, Raymond (Cathy) Galyen; five grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Howard served in the United States Army from 1949-1953. After returning home from the service, Howard owned and operated Gaddis Uptown Service and later Hoopeston Monument until his semi-retirement in 1990. He then worked part-time for several local farmers and ran a campground in Florida for several years. Howard was a member of the Chestnut Street Church of Christ in Hoopeston and a lifetime member of the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384, AMVETS, and the Hoopeston Lions Club where he served as chairman and co-chairman of their candy day for twenty years. He also served as the chairman of bingo at the Hoopeston American Legion for sixteen years. In 1997, Howard was awarded the volunteer of the year award for the Hoopeston Chamber of Commerce and in 1998 was inducted into the Hoopeston Hall of Fame.

Visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home, with Larry Baughn officiating. Burial will follow in Potomac Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Howard to the Chestnut Street Church of Christ or the Hoopeston American Legion Color Guard.