Homer Lee Forby

Homer Lee Forby, 91, of Cobden, died Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at his daughter’s home in Carbondale.

He was born on March 6, 1929, in Jackson County, Illinois. His parents were Herb and Ethel Maze Draper. 

He married Anna Bernice “Neicey” Lamer on March 6, 1948, in Piggott, Ark.

Homer is survived by his wife Neicey of Cobden; one son, Jeffrey L. (Susan I.) Forby of Cobden; his daughter, Lynn Geske (partner Hasan Sevim) of Carbondale; three grandchildren, Emily (Robert) Gaddis, Travis (Joni) Geske and Ellen (Caleb Robinson) Geske; six great-grandchildren, Ryan, Erin and Ethan Gaddis, Sabrina Geske, Laina and Elise Robinson; three nephews, Gary, Mike and Eric Forby; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Forby, and a son-in-law, Frank Geske Jr.

Homer was a member of Union Congregational Church in Cobden. He served as mayor of the Village of Cobden, as well as a member of the city council. He was a member of Cobden Masonic Lodge No. 466. 

He was very interested in science and loved his Honda Gold Wing. He was a mechanic for the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Masonic rites were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden.

Memorial services for Homer Lee Forby were at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the funeral home, with Jayson Forby officiating. 

Private interment will take place in the Cobden Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the Cobden Park Project. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden is in charge of arrangements.