Obituary of Bruce William Hobkirk

Bruce Hobkirk, 69, passed away on April 2, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents. Bruce was born October 11, 1955, in Carlinville, IL, to Donald and Rebecca Hobkirk. He was not much for formal education and after a short stint in the Marines found his place in sales. He could talk to anyone about anything and sell anything; steel, cars, semi-trucks, trailers. He never met a stranger and was liked by everyone who’s path he crossed. He could also be quite the ham and showed his extroverted side in productions with the Summer Repertory and Emmanuel Baptist Church. He loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen and was known for his “almost world famous” wings. He met the love of his life, Sandra Thorpe, in the hallway at Carlinville High School and he was interested enough to show up at her parent’s doorstep and ask permission to take her to the movies (they said yes). They dated for several years before he went off to join the marines, but he came back, and they were married on July 31, 1976. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Amy. Other than his time in the Marines and a brief time in Chatham, he happily lived his life in Carlinville and Peaceful Valley Ranch. Bruce loved being with his family and pets (King, Prince, Rufus, Princess, and Brownie). He preferred the country to the city and petting an animal over hunting one. He enjoyed occasional travel as long as family was there, and the plans were not too complicated. Bruce is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Hobkirk of Carlinville, IL, son, Mike (Kristin) Hobkirk of Mount Laurel, NJ, daughter, Amy (Stephen) Matthews of Cypress, TX, granddaughter, Maeve Hobkirk, granddaughter, Lydia Matthews, sister, Gail Gallardo of Glendale, AZ, and two nieces: Michelle Mayfield and Fred Mayfield. Memorials may be made to Macoupin Animal Shelter or Emmanuel Baptist Church. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.