Harold Webbink

Webbink, Harold, of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at the age of 87. Loving father of Ronald (Ann), Gregory (Elizabeth), Mark (Karen) and Ann Erlinger; dear brother of Eloise (Dale) Wray, brother-in-law of Tom Neylon, Harvey Becker, Esther Schiermeier and Verna Becker; proud grandfather of Amy (Matt Jones), Robert (Jennie), Matt (Summer), Gerrit and Katherine Webbink, and Daniel, Jared and Sam Erlinger; proud great-grandfather of Jakob and Joshua Webbink, Greta and Naomi Jones, and Anya Webbink. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eunice Webbink, his parents, Fred and Luella Webbink, his brother, Russell Webbink, and sister, Elsa Neylon. Mr. Webbink was a machinist by training and rose to the position of plant manager with Gear Products Co., a manufacturer of fine pitch precision gears, with whom he was employed his entire working career. During World War II, Mr. Webbink served as an aircraft machinist’s mate in the U.S. Navy. He was a graduate of Augusta High School and received a Certificate in Tool & Die Design from Ranken Technical College. Mr. Webbink was dedicated to public service, was active in civic affairs, and was a member of St. John United Church of Christ. He served with the Boy Scouts at both local and district levels. He was active in the little league ball program and served as a member of the St. Charles Community Council, as V.P. for the St. Charles Co. Council of Churches, and as past PTA President. He also served on the Board of Directors of the St. Louis UCC Neighborhood Houses, as chairman of the sponsoring committee for the International Exchange Students sponsored by St. John, and as moderator for that congregation. Mr. Webbink was elected to serve as First Ward Councilman from 1971-1977 and serving Mayor Pro Tem from 1972-1977. He served on numerous Council committees, and as chairman of the Finance and Personnel Committee, the Public Safety Committee, and the Growth and Development Committee. He was particularly proud of the supporting role he played in promoting the redevelopment of Main Street in St. Charles, the construction of the new Civic Center in 1976, and construction of the new Jail and Juvenile Detention facilities in 1982. He also served for many years as a member of the Police and Fire Personnel Board. Memorials may be made to St. John U.C.C. Renovation Fund.