Noel N. Hebert Obituary (1923 - 2016)

Noel N. Hebert, 92, of Owaneco, IL died Thursday, January 7, 2016 in his home. Noel was born December 23, 1923 on the Hebert homestead, settled in 1869, southwest of Assumption, Illinois. He is the son of Philip Flossie (Edwards) Hebert. Growing up there he learned to love care of the land. As a young man he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Returning from service he married MaryLouise Fullerton on November 14, 1949 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana, IL. They settled in rural Owaneco where they lived their entire life. There they raised their 5 sons and 2 daughters. Noel devoted his life to farming. He nurtured the land as well as the livestock he raised. He read and considered innovative techniques to find the most efficient way to produce a "pound of gain" and the greatest yield. He was concerned with providing food for his family and for the world. Noel was meticulous with everything he did. He kept his farmstead neat and consistently in good repair. Noel planted and pruned all the trees around the farm. He loved growing flowers and was truly a steward of the land. Not only did he care for the land and animals, but he cared for his family and the people around him. It was very important to him to greet people by name. Noel's love of God was a constant awareness. He was a generous person and supported his parish and various charities. He had a great concern for the poor. Noel was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Assumption, IL; Knights of Columbus Council #1026, Assumption; American Legion Post #284, Assumption; and VFW Post #6577; Christian County Farm Bureau, Taylorville. His children are Philip (Mary Jo) Hebert, New Sharon, IA; Sister Margaret Therese Hebert, O.P., Springfield; Mark Hebert, Ramsey, IL; Paul Hebert, Mexico, MO; John (Patsy) Hebert, Owaneco, IL; Joseph (Marci) Hebert, La Moille, IL; 13 grandchildren: Sarah, Brian, Rebecca, Josh, Zachery, Therese Marie, Angela, David, Catherine, Christina, Kaleb, Isaac, Damien; 18 great grandchildren. His surviving sisters: Mary Lou (Gene) Smith, Grayville, IL; Phyllis Hebert, Taylorville, IL. He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, MaryLouise on December 20, 2013; daughter, Therese Hebert; sister, Eleanor Dorr; and brothers: Theodore Hebert, Leon Hebert, and Laurence Hebert. Funeral Information Visitation will be Monday, January 11, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with prayer services at 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until Mass time at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Assumption. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016 in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Assumption at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Don Wolford officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Assumption with graveside military rites by VFW Post #6577, Assumption.