Charles H. "Hoot" DeGroot, 76, of Jacksonville, IL passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

He was born Sept. 8, 1949, in Jacksonville, the son of Alpha and Virginia (Bridgeman) DeGroot.

He is survived by two sons and one daughter, Chad (Tarrah) DeGroot of Chapin, Angela (Kenneth) Gadberry of Arnold, MO, and Scott (Jennifer) DeGroot of Columbia, IL; ten grandchildren, Keylie DeGroot, Sydnie DeGroot, Nick Sturgeon, Courtney Sturgeon, Amanda DeGroot, Branden DeGroot, Madisen Degroot, Lucas DeGroot, Ben DeGroot, and Christopher DeGroot; three great grandchildren, Oliver Sturgeon, Kai Jeffers, and Milo DeGroot; one brother and one sister, Carol "C.A." (Dorothy) DeGroot and Doris Alderson, both of Jacksonville; and his special friend and brother in military, Chuck Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Norman DeGroot.

Mr. DeGroot was a 1968 graduate of Jacksonville High School. He then joined the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked for 38 years as a printer for the Jacksonville Journal Courier, retiring in 2015. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. He was also a Vietnam Veteran's Memorial member. Hoot enjoyed marching in parades with his military brothers, car and horse shows, drag racing, fishing, mushrooming, and watching the birds. He never met a stranger and he especially loved his grandchildren.

A celebration of life gathering will be hosted by the family from 2:00 - 4:00 PM Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at The Chapel in Jacksonville (428 E College Ave, Jacksonville 62650), with burial at Ebenezer Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Disabled Veteran's of America. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.