Jeff F Fomby

Jeff F. Fomby, born on July 3, 1943, passed away on August 4, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jeff leaves behind a legacy filled with love, intelligence, and commitment to his community.

In his professional life, Jeff dedicated himself to working in Quality Control within the steel industry, showing great attention to detail. After completing high school, he pursued higher education at the College of Lake County, earning his Associate’s Degree in Science.

Those who knew Jeff will remember his dry humor, many, many stories, and his ability to bring lightness to everyday moments. He would often be heard whistling old hymns and tunes. He loved working crossword puzzles and graded himself when he made a mistake. Above all, Jeff deeply loved his family. He was a steady presence, often offering playful, joking advice to his children about raising their own kids, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye and a touch of humor that made his wisdom easy to receive.

Romantic at heart, Jeff was wholly devoted to his beloved wife, Shirley. Every day, he made it a point to express his affection by doing small things to show his love. Their relationship was defined by deep companionship and playful rivalry, especially through competitive games. Jeff also had a strong passion for car racing and basketball, which he followed enthusiastically.

His community accomplishments included a longstanding involvement as a Master Mason since 1972. His dedication to the Masonic Lodge was deep-rooted; he served as Worshipful Master in Libertyville, Illinois in 1978 and contributed as their treasurer for 23 years. He was especially honored to present Masonic funerals from memory. He also served as treasurer for Lakeland Christian Church, Mundelein, Illinois, Village Bible Church and Whittington Masonic Lodge in Arkansas. He also served as financial controller for the mission committee at Village Bible Church for several years.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Fomby; his children, Cheryl (Richard) Catalano, Dwight D. Crocker, Ronald J. (Laurie) Fomby, and Karyn S. (Kerry) Honor; and his grandchildren: Rachel, Michael, Timothy, Benjamin, Sarah, Stephen, Austin, Alexis, Samantha, Douglas, R.J. and Dan. He also leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren and many dear friends whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Jefferson and Beulah Frances Fomby, as well as his brothers, George and Tom Fomby.

To honor Jeff, a service will be held at Village Bible Church, 100 Ponderosa Way, Hot Springs Village, AR, on Saturday, August 9, at 1:00 pm.

Jeff Fomby will be remembered not only for his achievements but for the warmth and laughter he brought into the lives of those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

Any donations made in Jeff’s honor may go to support organizations he helped: American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or Adult Teen Challenge Hot Spring, AR (https://teenchallengeusa.org)