Baba Hawel Rehana

Baba Hawel Rehana, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. T.J. Gentry officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Illinois, the following day.

Baba was born on July 4, 1935, in Baghdad, Iraq, to Hawel & Zadebta (Sheeno Esho) Rehana. He married Shirley Ann Bristow on June 11, 1963, in Carbondale. She preceded him in death on August 15, 2022.

Baba is survived by his children, David Rehana, Younia Rehana (Zev Bassin), Joseph Rehana, and Annette Rehana (Stephens Larubi); grandchildren, Samaria Rehana, Wolfe Bassin, Isabella Larubi, Andrew Larubi, and Dustin Larubi. His list of nephews and nieces stretches across continents from Australia to Spain, Chicago, California, and Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley; sons, Billy and Jonathan Rehana; brother William Rehana; and sisters, Meriam Barnabus, Younia bet Ishue and Youlia Zacharia.

Baba was a scholar, artist, athlete, and proud graduate of Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, where he met his wife-to-be, Shirley. A Man for All Seasons, he spoke multiple languages, enjoyed the poetry of Kahlil Gibran, was a fan of cinema, a mentor, mastered table tennis as a senior, loved to fish, brought pencil & charcoal portraits to life, and routinely overcame odds—but could not, to save his life, “mow in a straight line,” Shirley would often say. Baba had a youthful spirit, savoring mysteries and winding paths as much as her Sunday dinners.

A man of deep faith, Baba will be remembered for his witty humor, his love of eating and conversation, playing games, his flowing white hair, his warmth, charm, creativity, and devotion to his family.

 

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