CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – George Edward Hast, 91 of Champaign passed away at 5:33 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at his home.
He was born in La Harpe, IL on May 21, 1933, the son of Walter & L. Irene (Plank) Hast. He married Joyce Coert on December 22, 1956 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Joyce passed away on April 11, 2020.
George is survived by his sons- David(Sharon) Hast of Caledonia, MI; Thomas(Cindy) Hast and Robert Hast of Champaign, IL; daughter Jennifer(Guy)Baldwin of Hayward, California; 8 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded by his parents, wife- Joyce, twin sister- Georgeanna Fowler and sister Janet Bollin.
George enlisted in the Army in 1956 and obtained the rank of SP5. He also served in the ready reserves. He is a graduate of La Harpe High School and has a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree from the University of Illinois from the College of Education. George was a teacher at Champaign Unit 4 schools for 29 years. After retiring, George apprenticed as a saddle maker and ultimately ran his own leather crafting shop at Pards Western Shop in Urbana.
George was a true craftsman; he designed, built and flew a light aircraft, built furniture, and crafted beautiful saddles. His work was featured in aviation and leather crafting magazines. While he passionately enjoyed aviation, western stories and Native American culture, his deepest and most everlasting love was for Joyce, his wife of 63 years.
Condolences may be offered at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory.