Henry James Twombly (Hank) age 83 of Cherry Valley, Illinois died on Monday February 10, 2014. He was born on May 2, 1930 in DeKalb, Illinois and was the son of Leonard (Doc) and Jesse Twombly.

Henry started working at a small DeKalb neighborhood meat market at the age of 14 to help support his family. He continued working as a journeyman meat cutter and meat department manager at various supermarkets in and around DeKalb, Belvidere, and Rockford until 1958. He then started as a construction electrician with his older brother Donald at Twombly Electric in DeKalb until 1962. He was employed by various electrical contractors around the DeKalb area as a journeyman electrician from 1962 until 1967 when he started working at Northern Illinois University as a staff electrician. Henry worked at this position until 1992 when he retired.

In 1944, at the age of only 14, Henry joined the Illinois State Militia by reporting to them that he was 18 years of age. He furnished his own brand new Indian motorcycle and then later a Harley Davidson motorcycle and was an active member of the motorcycle police during the war time.

Henry was a 50 year member of the Masons, a 50 year member of the Tebala Shriners, and a 50 year member of the Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

His wife Sonja was the love of his life. At age 16 he met her for the very first time at a local dance hall. He went home that very night and told his mother that he met the woman he was going to marry. Henry and Sonja were married two years later and just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary (11-28-13) at the Lindenwood Union Church with family and friends.

Henry was also very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was happiest surrounded by family and friends in what he called his "circle of love." Henry never met a stranger that didn?t soon become a friend. He always preferred a hug over a handshake and everyone who knew him knew this about him. He definitely had the gift of gab and was never at a loss for words. He will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.

Predeceased by his parents Leonard and Jesse Twombly, brothers Donald and Leonard (Babe) Twombly, and his son Daniel Twombly.

Survivors include; his wife Sonja (Johnson) Twombly of Cherry Valley, son Gregory (Sheryl) Twombly of Wenatchee Washington, daughter Tamara (John) Bloom of Rockford, son Richard (Melisa) Twombly of DeKalb, grandchildren David (Jake Burciaga) Twombly, Caryn Twombly, Rhya (Matthew) Miller, Joanna (Andrew) Wiser, Rachel (John) Lancaster, Corey (Laura) Twombly, and Bret Twombly. Great grandchildren Lindy Miller, Theodore Miller, Troy Lancaster, Henry Wiser, Wesley Wiser, Shelby Lancaster, and Brennan Twombly along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Friday February 14, 2014 at 10:30am in the Lindenwood Union Church in Lindenwood, IL with Reverend Les McClelland officiating. Cremation will follow services at the Finch Crematory. Visitation will be held on Thursday February 13, 2014 from 4:00pm till 7:00pm with a Masonic Service at 6:45pm in the Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be established at a late date. To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 758-3841.

Service:
Friday February 14, 2014

10:30am

Lindenwood Union Church
Visitation:
Thursday February 13, 2014

4:00pm till 7:00pm

Masonic Service at 6:45pm

Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home