URBANA — Jack L. Hepburn, 90, of Urbana, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
The co-owner of Illini Institutional Foods in Rantoul for over 40 years began his career working at a Grab-It Grocery store in Urbana in the 1950s.
He held numerous positions in local clubs, including president of AMBUCS and president of the Illini Quarterback Club, to name a few. A big University of Illinois fan, he held season tickets for Illini football and basketball for decades. Half his wardrobe seemed to be Illini orange.
Outgoing and always with a hello to everyone, Jack was respected by many for just being upfront and frank, with a cackle that made you laugh. His work ethic could never be questioned. He couldn’t sit still for long before jumping up to “do something.” His hobbies lasted a year or two before they bored him and he moved on to another. Fishing, golf, travel, ancestry, gardening — he would fully immerse himself, then move on to another challenge. Nothing was halfway done; he was all in at all times.
He married his wife, Norma Jean Franklin of Homer, on Dec. 22, 1953. Their 65 years of marriage was full of laughs and tears, as is everyone’s. They eventually had three boys who aged them quicker than they thought they would.
Jack was born on Dec. 22, 1931, in Fairmount, one of seven children of Cleland and Lois (Crawford) Hepburn.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean (Franklin) Hepburn, in November 2019.
He is survived by a brother, Bill Hepburn of Ocala, Fla.; a sister, Sue Caldwell of Sebring, Fla.; three sons, Kirk of Chicago, Doug of Charleston, S.C. and Darin of Urbana; three grandkids, Nick, Alec and Lindsey, all of Charleston, S.C.; and a lot of great memories.
Services are pending.
NG 12/7/2022
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