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Hobart W. Jones

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Ohio State University Purdue University University of Kentucky

Hobart Jones Obituary

Hobart W. Jones, 93

Hobart "Hobe" W. Jones, 93, of West Lafayette died Thursday, January 8, 2015, at Westminster Health Care. He was born April 15, 1921, in Cass County, IN, to the late Thomas and Julia Mae Condon Jones.

Hobe graduated from Purdue University in 1943 and became Assistant County Extension Agent in Tippecanoe County. He received his Masters Degree from The Ohio State University in 1946 and then managed farms in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. In 1950 he came to Purdue University and taught Animal Science in the College of Agriculture. He received his PhD in 1958 from the University of Kentucky. Hobe retired in 1988 after 38 years at Purdue. While at Purdue he won many teaching awards, and national awards for his work in Animal Science and the swine industry.

On December 12, 1943 he married Lois E. Smith in Waterloo, IN and she survives.

He was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Hobe loved his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, Purdue University and his many students.

Surviving along with his wife are his children Jennie Lu Jones of West Lafayette, Thomas Scott Jones (Susan) of Kalamazoo, MI, Douglas Wayne Jones (fiance Patty) of West Lafayette, Daniel Raye Jones (Michele) of Noblesville, grandchildren Michael Scott Jones (Karin) of Ft. Pierce, FL, Jennifer Royal Jones of Pittsburg, PA, Steven Hobart Jones of Noblesville, great grandchildren Marlee Elizabeth and Maxwell Hobart Jones of Ft. Pierce, FL. Also surviving are his brother James L. Jones (Nancy) of Lafayette and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Hobe was preceded in death by sisters Mary Atkinson and Ellen Mackey.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 17, 2015 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Revs. Tim Burchell and Pat Sleath officiating. Private entombment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Those wishing may contribute in Hobart's memory to St. Andrew United Methodist Church youth programs or the Baltzell Endowed Scholarship honoring Millard Plumlee, Hobart Jones and Martin Stob (online at purdue.edu/giving or checks to Purdue Foundation with memo to Baltzell Scholarship, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907). Soller-Baker Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jan. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Hobart Jones

Sponsored by His Loving Family.

17 Entries

Carol Pershing-Taylor

March 30, 2015

Parents tell stories of their past, but rarely about teachers from their years at a university. My father, Don, did though; he remembers fondly and admirably Hobe's teaching techniques when he was at Purdue back in the 50's. Hobe showed once what to do with a boar's tooth, then expected the students to do the next on the spot! (if I recall the story correctly- I'm not the farm girl). I don't think I have that much faith in my teaching to trust my students to perform after one demonstration. It is not surprising that he was a part of raising such a fine family too. As his birthday nears enjoy the fond memories he helped create. I know you will miss him. God be with you all as you continue to adjust to life without him with you on Earth.

Brent Waibel

March 6, 2015

Hobe personally answered a letter I had sent to him while in high school concerning why fat market hogs received the same price as lean ones at the market at that time, around 1973. He was my guidance counselor through the Purdue experience. I am so grateful for his help steering a green farm kid through my tenure there, and have raised pigs for 36 years ever since. Nothing but love for him, and sadness that he is gone.

February 8, 2015

I remember seeing my first sheep sheering at Uncle Hobe and Aunt Lois'. Like my dad, he bled black and gold for Purdue. God bless the family.

Jeff Smith, nephew, Fort Lauderdale, FL

susan smith/vansickle

January 29, 2015

I remember visiting and being intrigued by the rabbits. A wonderful family. I'm sure he will be missed. God bless.

Max Rodibaugh

January 19, 2015

Dear Jones family,
Due to illness I was unable to pay my respects to Hobe on Saturday but I was with you in thought and keep you in my prayers. Growing up we came to know of and to actually "know" Hobe. What an honor that was to know a professor, famous hog judge, and icon in the pig world! And then to be one of his students at Purdue! Perfect! Hobe was a man with a kind heart, the consumate gentlemen, and always a true teacher,.

January 17, 2015

Jennie and Family-
Our condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Your father will surely be missed by everyone that was blessed with the opportunity of knowing him. What a kind and loving person that dedicated his life to his family, teaching and God!

Tom and Judy Shorter

Robert Mackey

January 15, 2015

Uncle Hobart & Aunt Lois hold many childhood memories for me. My brother, Lew, and I would stay with themwhile my parents came home to IN. Jennie, Tom and Doug (not Danny yet) were our center of enjoyment. We cousins would have fun in the summer on the farm (with chores to do also). As I look back on my life, I credit Uncle Hobart & Aunt Lois with a piece of the pieof my development in the my belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. It was through their examples (e.g. holding hands and praying around the dinner table) that showed us faith. I know of no other tribute to Uncle Hobart more important than that.
Thank you Aunt Lois (and Uncle Hobart) and God bless you. Your nephew, Bob Mackey

Harry Latshaw

January 14, 2015

My condolences to you and your family. Thanks to Hobe and his reference for me to Harold Amstutz in 1971, I embarked on a career in veterinary anesthesia that has lasted 44 years. What a great teacher and mentor. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Harry Latshaw AnSc '67

January 14, 2015

We have many fond memories of gatherings with the Jones family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Jan (Outhouse) & Ron Overton

Velmar & LaVerne Davis

January 14, 2015

A good friend!! My wife LaVerne and I had an enjoyable lunch with Hobe and Lois during the 100th AGR Anniversary.

January 13, 2015

Lois, our condolences to you and your family on the loss of Hobe. He was a great teacher to so many students and a trusted mentor and example to young faculty members in the Department of Animal Sciences. I valued all of my interactions with him. Elton "Abe" and Carrie Aberle

January 13, 2015

Lois, Ena and I express our sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Hobart. He and I were fellow staff members at Purdue for well over 30 years. May God Bless his memory, and you and your family. Wayne Perry

Jane (Moore) Richardson

January 12, 2015

Dr. Jones was my FAVORITE class professor of all time and also my guidance counselor during my 4 years as an Animal Science student at Purdue University. He always had kind and encouraging words of wisdom which definitely influenced my path in life. When I returned to campus and visited with him at my 25th college reunion he called me by my first name -a memory I will ALWAYS cherish. He was a great accomplished man that had a positive influence on sooo many lives. My heart goes out to his entire family - God Blessed Us all with his meaningful life.

January 12, 2015

My Condolences to the Jones family.I was a pure bred swine breeder and had many contacts with Hobe. My first meeting with professor Jones he informed me we would be on a first name basis.He was one of the best swine judges for 4-H and other judging events I worked with him at Indiana State Fair showswhile being Duroc 4-H leader. He was a gentleman. I have fond memories of those days Arnet Wolverton Otterbein,IN.

Doug Jacks

January 12, 2015

Hobe was a very giving and honorable servant-leader. I recall he arranged for pictures to be taken of his Swine Production course students on the first day of class. This was in the late 70's, and was not a common Purdue practice at the time. By the NEXT class period...he had memorized each student's name...no doubt having studied their pictures in the interim, and would address them by name in the classroom setting. This was impressive with 50-60 (or more) students in the class! I also recall occasionally visiting him at his house just West of campus. He was always gracious and welcoming, no doubt having been influenced by his father, who lived with them at the time. Thomas was also glad to talk with a visitor, and to be certain he had personally settled the most important matter in life. I learned much from both Hobe and his father over the years.

Kris Webster

January 11, 2015

Uncle Hobart was a GREAT man. My father, his brother Jim were both strong , educated, & responsible family oriented men. Many fond memories go back to my Uncle Hobart. I'm so proud & so blessed to have known him. God bless you all Aunt Lois, Jennie, Tom, Doug, & Dan.

Ralph Williams

January 11, 2015

I have fond memories of Hobe working with him at Purdue. My thoughts and prayers for his family.

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