Jack E. Hafner

Jack Hafner, 81, of Danville passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of Vermilion County, Jack was born in Danville on May 19, 1938, the son of Harlan and Mary (Hufford) Hafner. He married the love of his life, Rita Ann Piatt, on September 5, 1959, and together they shared over 57 years before her death in May of 2017.

Jack graduated in 1956 from Danville High School and became a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves shortly after graduation. He was Honorably Discharged as a Private First Class in 1962.

In his early career, Jack was both a carpenter and a printer. Eventually he became a Production Assistant at Heatcraft and was then promoted to Management where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 1994. He enjoyed singing, especially during the late 60s and early 70s with his familys band, The Country Kin. Music continued to be a big part of the rest of his life. Jack also loved a good game of Euchre, watching NCAA basketball and was an avid fan of stock car racing. He even served in a pit crew later in life. He also spent eight years alongside his wife, Rita, restoring their familys 3-story Victorian home in Hoopeston.

Jack leaves behind two children, Lonnie (Maryann) Hafner of Danville and Trisha (Chris) Burton of Mansfield; two grandchildren, Daylan (David) Navarro of Catlin and Devin Burton of Mansfield; great-grandson, Zander Navarro, and great-granddaughter, Madigan Navarro; two sisters, Irene Phebus of Sarasota, FL, and Lee Hill of Lake Placid, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carl Hafner.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Officiating will be Pastor Dave Anderson. Visitation will be held the evening prior from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, at the funeral home. Per Jacks wishes, cremation rites will be accorded after the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jacks name to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter.

Please join Jacks family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Visitation Tuesday February 25, 2020 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Wednesday February 26, 2020 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, , IL 61834