Charles Dean Hennenfent, 81, of Alexis, IL, passed away at 2:57 pm, Monday, April 29, 2019 at his home. He was born on October 20, 1937 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Charles “Chick” and Hazel (Simpson) Hennenfent. Dean was raised and educated in the Alexis area, attending Lone Star Grade School and graduating from Alexis High School in 1955.
He was active in sports and was an active member of the Future Farmers of America, receiving a small corn sheller. Later he was honored by being name an Illinois State Farmer. Dean liked music and played the trumpet in the high school band.
In fact he won several first place medals in the Illinois State Music contests. This led him to playing weekends with small bands including his brother-in-law’s dance band, the Starlighters, for many years and also played Taps for Memorial Services at Norwood for many years. Dean was a veteran, having served 12 years in the Illinois National Guard.
One of his favorite winter hobbies was coyote hunting after it snowed and fishing in the summer when time allowed. However, tending the farm was his main mission in life. He loved to be in the combine during harvest time.
Dean loved life and being a farmer was the best thing God had ever given him. He loved to work the ground and make each piece of land better than he had received it. Dean served as Trustee at Norwood Presbyterian Church.
He served as an elected official on the Spring Grove Township board for 32 years. He was a director on the board of Big River Res, L.L.C. He also served on the board of directors of Midwest Bank for over 35 years and was on the YMCA board serving as President in 1985.
He met Sharon (Kelley) Hennenfent in 1985 and they have been together for 34 years. Surviving Dean is his wife, Sharon Hennenfent of Alexis, IL; two daughters, Kerry (Michael) Anderson and grandson Kole of St. Petersburg, FL, Cristin (Dave) McGrath of Wayne, IL; one sister, Marilyn (Don) Clute of Alexis, IL; niece, Jane Helms of Greer, SC; two step children, Kendall Kelley of East Peoria, IL and Karin Kelley of Cape Girardeau, MO. Also surviving are four step grandchildren, Jake Hale of Alexis, IL, Cameron Foster of Ocean Springs, MS, Patrick & Madison Kelley of East Peoria, IL.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Norwood Presbyterian Church, Alexis, IL. Interment with military honors will be in Norwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2019 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth.
Memorials can be made to the Norwood Cemetery or Norwood Church.
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