Hugh Wayne Reno, 92 of Galesburg passed away Friday, 7:35 am March 14, 2014 in OSF St. Mary Medical.
He was born on May 25, 1921 in Galesburg the son of Paul and Luella (Riley) Reno. He married Ruby Grace Lawrence on August 10, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa.
Surviving is his wife of 73 years. They are the parents of Richard W. (Donna) Reno, Galesburg, Judith A. Calhoun, Woodhull, Ill., and David L. (Barbara) Reno of Bostic, NC. They have seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two favorite aunts, Ethel and Bessie Reno of Astoria, Ill. each of whom lived to be 102 years old and his sister, Marcella Reno of Galesburg who was a co-owner of the Karmel Korn Shop downtown before the Mall was built.
Hugh served in the US Army during WWII. He was stationed in India where he was a radio and communication specialist.
He worked for many years for Admiral Corporation as a test lab technician. He later worked for Bixby-Zimmer as a machinist. As the mechanic for Sprint car driver Jerry Blundy he traveled the Sprint car circuit for 15 years. He was raised and educated in Galesburg, was an Eagle Scout and a Ham radio operator whose call letters were W9YEV. He attended the First Christian Church. Hugh really enjoyed spending time with his family and extended family and having good food.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 am Monday, March 17, 2014 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. James Ecklund will officiate. Visitation will be 10-11 am Monday at the chapel with Military Rites by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 and Hugh’s great granddaughter playing TAPS. Burial will be in Warren County Hope Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Chapter of American Cancer Society, c/o M.A.S.H. 8131. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
