Jack Halbirt

ATHENS - Jack Halbirt, age 95 of Athens, passed away at The Laurels of Athens early Friday morning, April 3, 2015 with family by his side. Born Sept. 7, 1919 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Leslie and Nelle Hill Halbirt. Jack was a 1938 graduate of Rome-Canaan High School and an Air Force veteran, serving 22 years in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. After retiring, he returned to Canaan Township in Athens County, becoming a gentleman farmer, tinkerer, and general Jack of all trades. He was a previous member of the Athens Grange and attended monthly Sunday luncheons at the Lottridge Community Center. Jack enjoyed his trains, engines, cars, cutting and burning firewood, feeding birds, and watching squirrels and his cows in the pasture. Jack is survived by a son, Russell (Patsy) Halbirt of Athens; a daughter, Rita (Frank) Dornon of Springfield; five grandchildren–Karol (Syed Rumin) Halbirt of Bethesda, Maryland, Anna (David) Driggs of Athens, Michael (Tracy) Dornon of Springfield, Rebekah (Tim Kirkendall Jr.) Halbirt of Athens and Michelle Halbirt of Springfield; seven great grandchildren–Ethan and Elias Driggs, Asad Rumin, Alexis and Natalee Dornon, and Alyssa and Andrew Bowshier; a sister-in-law, Bernice Koehler of Guysville; two nieces, Mary L. Phillips and Dorothy Jean Well both of Guysville; great nephews–Robbie (Leah) Phillips and Ryan Phillips; three great great nieces–Chloe, Peyton, and Emma Phillips; and a companion cat “Bobbie”. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Faye Russell Halbirt; a sister, Phyllis Halbirt Ackley; and five brothers-in-law–Autmer Ackley; Wayne Koehler; and Fred, Dale, and Wayne Russell. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, 11:00 a.m., at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home, Athens with the Rev. Monte McCune officiating. Burial will follow at South Canaan Cemetery, 17506 S. Canaan Road, Athens, with military services being conducted by the Athens American Legion Post 21, Athens VFW Post 3477, and Albany VFW Post 9893. Friends may call at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home in Athens on Tuesday, from 5 to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service. A note of condolence may be sent to the family online at http://www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the staff of The Laurels for his care while there. Special thanks go to granddaughter Rebekah Halbirt and Rhonda Williams for their care while he was still home.