Obituary - Billy Dale Hobbs

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Billy Dale Hobbs passed away peacefully at a local adult care facility March 10, 2013, of complications from a broken hip. He was 91.

Dale was born Oct. 9, 1921, in Powhattan, Kan., to Jesse and Kathryn (Munsey) Hobbs. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Robinson High School in 1939. He spent three years in the Army during World War II, serving as a radio repairman under Gen. George Patton in Europe.

After he returned home he met Edna Robinson. They married Nov. 26, 1946, and had their first three children while farming in Kansas. In 1953, they moved to Washington, where they completed their family with three more children.

Dale worked at Longview Fibre as an electrician for 10 years. He then decided to take his trade "uptown" and joined Local 970 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, wiring new homes in the construction business. Woodworking was Dale's favorite hobby. He built two houses and helped on many others, as well as several shops and barns. He also enjoyed being a "shade tree mechanic," hunting, fishing, camping, bowling, dancing, golfing and playing the harmonica.

Edna had been a homemaker during this time, so when Dale retired in 1983, so did she, and they began traveling. They took several RV trips across the country and wintered in Yuma, Ariz., for 25 years. In Yuma they enjoyed horseshoes (winning many trophies for their pitching), dancing, bingo, shuffleboard and their friends.

Dale was a kind, caring and helpful hard worker who loved to tease and laugh. He had a long life filled with fun, good friends, and a large loving family.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Edna, in 2008; three brothers, Martin Hobbs, Lester Hobbs and Loren Hobbs; and five sisters, Ida Puvogel, Marie Molt, Jean Dickey, Betty Puvogel and Eudora Kilgore.

Survivors include two brothers, Jesse Hobbs of Horton, Kan., and Larry Hobbs of Yakima; four sons, David Hobbs (Barb) and Calvin Hobbs, both of Castle Rock, Dan Hobbs of Kalama and Terry Hobbs of Longview; two daughters, Carol Farmer (Bob) of Castle Rock and Karen Crawford (Mike) of Longview; eight grandchildren, Casey Vogel (Stacey), Tara Obermiller (Jayson), Carie Cuttonaro (Pete), Jason Crawford (Erin), Monica McMillan (Kyle), Michelle Robertson (Danny), Donald Hobbs and Amanda Hobbs; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Dale's life is planned for 3 p.m. March 30 at the Kelso Eagles, 609 S. Pacific Ave. The family encourages special memories of Dale be brought to share.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are by Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory.