Paul C. Hambley

Paul C. Hambley, 90, of Freeport passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026 at his home/farm surrounded by his family.

He was born October 15, 1935, in Polo, IL, son of Albert and Verna Irene (Smyth) Hambley. On September 18, 1965, Paul and Mary Lou (Gartman) Hambley were married in Freeport.

He was a graduate of Dakota High School in 1954.

He was a lifelong farmer, who started working on the farm at a very young age, even having management of the milk barn at only 10 years old, and continuing up until his mid-80s. He also was a salesman for Renk Seed and Archer Oil and was active in the NFO.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and then the Army Reserves from 1957 to 1961 and obtained the rank of Corporal. He was always proud to have served in Iceland.

He loved to serve the community and was a 35-year member of the Cedarville Lions Club plus a recent member of the American Legion.

He was a strong, dedicated, kind Christian man. He attended First Baptist Church in Freeport for many years, serving in various capacities, in particular on the Missions Committee. He most recently attended Zion Church in Freeport.

He enjoyed watching the Bears, Cubs, and the news on TV, hunting, fishing, spending time with friends and family, and traveling, especially with his daughter, Sharyn.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharyn Hambley of Freeport and Elizabeth (Dwayne) Paul of Forreston; three grandchildren, Matt (Beth) Paul of Forreston, Rebecca (Ryan) Hartman of Rockford, and Sarah Paul of Freeport; five great grandchildren, Heath, Hagen, Bram, Josephine, and Bena; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Lou, and 17 brothers and sisters.

Visitation, from 8:30 a.m. until time of service, and the funeral, at 10:00 a.m., will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at Zion Church, Freeport, Illinois with Pastor Steve Rios officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

A memorial fund has been established in his memory.