Robert E. Hubbartt (64) of Effingham and Mattoon

Robert Eugene Hubbartt, 64, of Effingham and Mattoon, IL, entered his eternal heavenly home on Saturday morning, August 3, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo, IL with military rites. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. In loving memory of Robert, memorials may be made to Jimmy Swaggert Ministries, P.O. Box 262550, Baton Rouge, LA 70826-9943 or www.jsm.org. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Robert was born on September 12, 1959, in Vandalia, Il, the son of Frank M. and Mildred J. (Strohl) Hubbartt. He was the only child of this union. In February 1990, Robert Eugene Hubbartt married Clyta Audrine Bennett. Thirty-four happy years were celebrated this year. Robert’s elementary schooling, kindergarten through 6th grade was completed in Mitchell, IL, and then he moved to Waukegan, IL to live with his brother, Charles and family. Robert graduated from Waukegan East High School in 1977. In 1978, he enlisted in the United States Army and earned a food service specialist certificate and fed the troops in the U.S.A. and Germany. In 1989, while working full time, he earned his two-year Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from Joliet Junior College. His first position was head broiler chef at the Keller Ramada Inn and Convention Center in Effingham. From April 1991 to October 1994, Robert was the Executive Chef for Mattoon Holiday Inn. Leaving the Mattoon/Effingham area to pursue a culinary career was not an option, because his heart’s desire was to remain near his family. Continuing his education, Robert earned a one-year Industrial Maintenance Certificate in May 1997 from Lake Land College while working full time in the General Electric Plant Cafeteria. He was always highly skilled at providing quality food service while being friendly and enthusiastic. To this culinarian, the kitchen was now his home. He entered the industrial world in July 1977 as an assembler of refrigerated and dry vans at Trailmobile Trailer Plant in Charleston. Robert loved the work and his fellow laborers. Each new workstation position was a welcome challenge. Some of Robert’s interests that gave him pleasure were biking, fishing, collecting and playing harmonicas. He loved to see the people dance to the harp and song. Robert loved to share his musical gifts of a beautiful baritone singing voice and playing the harmonica, which began at age five. He played music with many area bands and enjoyed blessing the people. Robert was a man of faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Prison ministry became a building stone of his Christian walk. Robert attended church as a media member of the Family Worship Center with Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge, LA. Sharing his Christian testimony blessed many lives, as he loved to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love. Robert is Jesus’ boy forever.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Audrine Hubbartt; sisters, Betty (Richard) Tucker of Mattoon and Mary Ann (Don, deceased) Gallamore of Vandalia; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his father at the age of 12 and his mother at the age of 4; and many sisters and brothers.

Robert’s family expresses gratitude and thanks to the HSHS Home Care and Hospice team for their loving kindness and proficient care.