Dr. Eugene Hobbs

We are sad to announce the passing of Dr. Charles Eugene Hobbs of Ada, Oklahoma at the age of 83 in Shawnee, Oklahoma surrounded by loved ones on February 17, 2024. Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 24 at Criswell Funeral Home with the Rev. Randall Miller, Prague, Oklahoma officiating. Pallbearers for the service will be Heath Pennington, Caleb Hobbs, Isaac Littleton, Eric Littleton, Josh Aleman and Michael Nguyen. Honorary pallbearer will be Solomon Littleton.
He was born to W.E. "Buster" Hobbs and Retha Inez (Timmons) on October 15,1940 in Connerville, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Janice Hobbs, and children, Debra Reed, Ada, Oklahoma; Jeanne Hobbs, Ada, Oklahoma; (Ret.) Commander Steve Hobbs (wife Tammy) of Anchorage, Alaska; Marci Littleton (husband Eric) of Flower Mound, Texas; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Shirley Jones, Ada, Oklahoma; Norma Stettler (husband David) of Ada, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.E. "Buster" and Inez Hobbs, infant twin brothers, son-in-law Darrell Reed, brother-in-law Charles Jones and nephew, Kevin Jones.
Dr. Hobbs graduated from Byng High School in 1958 then attended East Central University where he graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in Math Education. He furthered his education by attending the University of Notre Dame where he completed a master's degree in Math Education and the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he completed his doctorate.
He was a teacher at Byng High School for 19 years and later became a professor at East Central University. After retiring from ECU, he went on to teach at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma where he served as chair of the math department for several years. In addition to these institutions, he also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix, Seminole State College and East Central University.
During his time as an educator, Dr. Hobbs was involved in interscholastic meet competitions and the Olympics of the Mind/Odyssey of the Mind/Creative Competitions where he also served at the Director for Oklahoma. He also was the first person in Oklahoma to receive the Presidential Award in Mathematics Education from President Reagan.
He was also highly involved in church life teaching Sunday school, serving as a deacon at the Byng and Oakman Free Will Baptist churches and the treasurer of the Center Association of Free Will Baptist Churches.
In addition to this, working with kids in any form of education was his passion. He volunteered with various organizations such as the Boy Scouts, coached Little League, was a foster parent and taught multiple summer institutes and workshops. He also loved playing-and beating- his family at cards and dominoes and was greatly surprised when they learned the games well enough to actually beat him for a change! During the summers, you could always find kids from the neighborhood, church or school hanging out at his house playing volleyball, basketball and enjoying homemade ice cream and snacks provided by him and his wife.
Dr. Hobbs touched many lives during his time here. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and students.