Hobart Estes Jr., age 82, of Springfield, MO, passed away Monday, April 30, 2012, at Mercy Hospital with his family by his side. He was born July 24, 1929, in Mount Vernon , MO, to William and Edith (Guthrie) Estes Sr. He was a member of High Street Baptist Church, since accepting the Lord at a large annual tent revival in 1949 with Rev. W.E. “Bill” Dowell leading him to the Lord. His future wife Janalee was in the crowd that evening and witnessed his salvation. She said “that is the one for me”. Hobart was united in marriage to Janalee Mae Sell on December 24, 1949 in Harrison, Arkansas. To this union was born Sherry June Estes, in 1952. Hobart owned Estes Motors for over 53 years, where he spent the last 34 years working with his daughter. He always enjoyed visiting with his customers and other auto dealers. He loved going to 166 Auto Auction to visit with his friends. Hobart also loved his Tuesday morning sausage egg biscuit and coffee with all of his employees, customers, and friends that would join him. Hobart found pure joy in attending Gaither concerts and watching the Gaither Homecoming videos
He was preceded in death by parents, William Hobart Sr. and Edith Mae Estes; two brothers and sisters-in-law , William Darl Estes and wife Betty and Calvin Thurman Estes and wife Darlene; father and mother -in-law, Troy and Elizabeth Sell; brothers-in-law, Sam Samsel,Dwaine Sell and Jack Sell; and two sisters-in-law, LuEtta Nipper and Jacqueline Sell.
He is survived by his wife, Janalee Mae Estes of the home; one daughter, Sherry June Estes of the home; one sister, Lovetra Samsel of Billings; three brothers -in- law; Harold Sell and wife Loretta of Springfield, Bob R. Sell of Springfield, and Jerry Sell and wife Lynda of Laporte TX; eleven nieces and nephews, and their families, Larry and Penny Estes, Patricia and Gary Bingham, Cindy and Dale Clayton, Mike and Kathy Hall, David and Mia Hall, Randy Estes, Brent and Sherry Nipper, Leah and Kelly Shaw, Derrick and Donna Sell, Tonya and J.L. Robertson, and Harold Sell, Jr. ; and many special friends who were like family.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2012, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO with Rev. Gene Gwennap and Rev. Eddie Lyons officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 in the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.
Hobart was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend.
The family would like to thank the family and friends that have come to visit and prayed with Hobart and his family during this time of sickness. We also appreciate the wonderful care that he received at Mercy Hospital by the staff and doctors.