Jerry B. Hawbaker, 82, of Cherokee Village passed away peacefully Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the White River Medical Center in Batesville, ARK. surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the American Legion Hall, 1306 Delhi St., Dubuque, IA. from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Jerry was born on July 19, 1942 in Decatur, Illinois to Paul and Dolores (Barnett) Hawbaker.  He attended Millikin University in Decatur and was a proud member of the 1961 undefeated football team.  He completed his studies at the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He worked for Deere & Co. as a Project Engineer.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Skinner-Coble on May 21, 1982.

After retiring, Jerry and Barbara moved to Cherokee Village, ARK where Jerry pursued several hobbies.  He enjoyed woodworking and built many pieces of furniture for his family.  He was an excellent bowler (scoring two perfect 300 games in league),and he aced two holes on two different golf courses.  He also enjoyed horseshoe pitching, softball, pontoon boating, and playing Euchre,   He volunteered many hours to the Cherokee Village Road Committee.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, his sons William Hawbaker, Ben (Sonja) Hawbaker, Paul Coble, Craig (Kari) Coble, all of Iowa.  His daughters Diannne (Derek) Maurer of Missouri, and Carrie (Dan) Bull of Mississippi.  His sister Carolyn (Steve Thomton) of Colorado.  Seventeen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, many sisters & brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Eugene & Alice Skinner, and his grandson Nate Hawbaker.