News Death Notice
HOBART, Barry L. devout Christian, local TV celebrity and late night horror movie host, nationally known as "Dr. Creep" died Friday at the Middletown Branch of Hospice of Montgomery County. As founder of the Montgomery County project "Christmas Smiles" Barry helped over 93,000 families over 33 years. Until recently he used his celebrity status to raise contributions in the Muscular Dystrophy telethon each Labor Day. Barry was a 1959 Graduate of Middletown High School, and a 1963 Graduate of the University of Cincinnati majoring in TV and Radio Broadcasting. After his college graduation he entered the United States Air Force and served overseas in service broadcasting during the Vietnam War era. After his honorable discharge he was employed by Channel 22 as a camera specialist and master control operator before creating the host of Shock Theatre ,"Dr. Creep," for who he was most famous. He was born on June 23, 1941 in Middletown Ohio to Grace Fullen Hobart, and the late Edward Lee Hobart. He is survived by his mother Grace and one beloved son David Matthew Hobart and his former wife and lifelong friend, Lavonda Ferguson. Also surviving him is a maternal aunt, Jean Kleinhenn of Springboro, paternal uncle, Douglas Hobart of Florida and numerous cousins. Two of his cousins, Tabor and Daryl Fullen were considered by most as his sister and brother. Valarie Varney his cousin was devoted to him through his life and illness. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Georgia and Hiram Fullen and Russell and Ruth Hobart, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Atrium Medical Center and the wonderful caretakers at Hospice of Montgomery County. A special acknowledgement and thanks to Barry's cousin Steve Snider and lifelong friend David Solomon for seeing Barry through and caring for him during his final journey. There will be visitations for Barry's family, friends and fans from 4 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday January the 19th at the Anderson Funeral home, 1357 E. Second St, Franklin Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at the convenience of the Family. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown, Ohio. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Anderson Funeral Home to offset Barry's final expenses. Condolences may be made to the family at www.anderson-fh.com.
Published in The Middletown Journal on January 16, 2011
