Harold H. Hackett, Sr.'s Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Harold H. Hackett, Sr., age 81 of Charleston, went to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 while at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2015 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ted Hartley and Pastor Chuck Trent officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Otterbein United Methodist Church Building Fund, the Civic Association, or to Lincolnland Visiting Nurses. Memorials may be left on the memorial table during the visitation or services, or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Harold was born on June 3, 1933 in Hutton Township, Coles County, Illinois, a son of the late Austin and Elvera (Garner) Hackett. He married Phyllis Heffner in Cressona, Pennsylvania on November 1, 1952 and they have celebrated 62 years of marriage. In addition to Phyllis, Harold is survived by two sons, Harold "Butch" Hackett and wife Linda, and David Hackett and wife Kim, all of Charleston; 10 grandchildren, Darren (Nicole) Hackett of Chatham, IL, Shayna (James) Williams, Brooks Hackett, Bret Hackett, Austin Hackett, Sean Hackett and Tony Hackett, all of Charleston, Derek (Mary) Hackett, Dustin (Haley) Hackett and Terry Hackett, all of Mattoon; 9 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jan (Howard) Eads of Charleston; an aunt, Kathryne Hackett; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Harold was also preceded in death by two sons, Mike Hackett and Mark Hackett; a brother, John Clayton Hackett; and two uncles, Fred "Sandy" Hackett and Don Hackett. Harold was a 1951 graduate of Mattoon High School and following graduation enlisted in the United States Army. He honorably served his country during the Korean War and was wounded in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill for which he received a Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars. Harold was employed by the United States Postal Service for 35 years, first as a mail carrier and later as Assistant Postmaster of the Charleston Post Office. Following his retirement from the Post Office he began another career with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and for 20 years was a reliable and dependable courier. The name Harold means leader and his name suited him well. He was truly a leader but always in a quiet and unassuming manner. As a long-time member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Charleston, Harold faithfully and willingly served wherever needed; as church treasurer, as building trustee, financial secretary, as a member of the church board, and numerous other positions. He was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, holding all offices as well as being a past Post Commander. He was also a member of the Mattoon American Legion and the Charleston Elks. Harold's desire to help others was always a priority and as a result he took his civic responsibilities very seriously. He served on the Fourth of July Committee, was one of the founders of the Charleston Community Thanksgiving Dinner and served on the board of the Civic Association. Even though Harold was an extremely humble individual who never wanted recognition for the goodness he brought to the community, he has received numerous well deserved awards and honors including being named by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce as the Citizen of the Year in 2005, named Volunteer of the Quarter by Citizens National Bank, and was selected as the bell ringer for the Fourth of July Celebration. Harold was a man of integrity who possessed many admirable qualities and instilled in his children those same respectable qualities. He was generous, kind, honest to a fault, dependable, and someone who always saw the good in others. Family was important to Harold and he maintained a close relationship with all his family. They were often included and recruited for whatever project he was working on. Harold's family will always treasure their many fond memories and he will be honorably remembered as a patriot and appreciatively remembered for making the Charleston community a better place.Click to view Harold's memorial video.
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