Robert S. Hobbs

NEW MANCHESTER - Robert S. Hobbs of Park Meadows in New Manchester, West Virginia, 72, passed peacefully early Saturday morning, Nov. 14, 2009, at The Cleveland Clinic after an extended illness.

Son of the late Clayton H. and Virginia P. Hobbs, he was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, on June 3, 1937. He graduated from Chester High School in 1955, where he was a celebrated three sport athlete. Robert received his bachelor's degree from West Virginia University after a stint in minor league baseball. While at West Virginia University he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and served as the president his senior year.

Robert was employed at the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources for two years before he served as the Social Worker/Attendance Director for the Hancock County School System for more than 30 years.

Robert coached football, basketball and track at Chester Junior High School before serving as a varsity basketball coach at Oak Glen, East Liverpool, and Wellsville High Schools. He was a 43-year member of the Chester Lions Club, holding the offices of President and Secretary. He was honored as Lion of the Year in 1970-71 and 1971-72. He was actively involved in adult athletic leagues during his early adult years, and was an original member of the Chester Birds traveling softball team. He bowled for more than thirty years in the Tri-State Bowling League where he served as the secretary and treasurer. Robert was a member of the Tomlinson Public Service District where he has served as chairman for over 30 years. He was an avid fan and supporter of West Virginia University athletics. He was member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Chester, WV.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joanne; three children, Kimberly Francis, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Bridget Robinson and husband, Christopher, of Weirton, W.Va., and Robert C. Hobbs and wife Stacey, of Shepherdstown, W.Va.; and one sister, Frances (Hobbs) Deutschle and husband, Jim, of Newark, Ohio. Robert is also survived by four grandchildren, Olivia and Mallory Hobbs of Shepherdstown, W.Va., and Daniel and Sarah Robinson of Weirton, W.Va.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Clayton H. Hobbs, Jr., and granddaughter, Maria Kathleen Robinson.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and on Wednesday from noon to 3 and 5-8 p.m. at the Arner Funeral Chapel, 607 Carolina Ave. Chester, W.Va. Rev. Father Lino P. Ebejer will be the celebrant for a mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted Street Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60642-2642 or 312-587-9272 or the Oak Glen Field of Dreams.