Maurice Hobaugh

Maurice “Duke” Hobaugh, 92, died on December 27, 2021. Born May 10, 1929 in Manorville, PA to Maurice and Helen (Walter) Hobaugh.

He was retired from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry as a District Forester for the William Penn Forest District. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and after his discharge he used the G.I. Bill to attend Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Forestry. He worked most of his career in Pennsylvania and worked both as a forester and a registered land surveyor.

He was a member of the Gideons International where he was a past member of the State Cabinet and was a speaker for various Gideon events. He was also a member of the American Legion, a life member of the Marine Corps League, and the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. In 1992, he was awarded the “Joseph Trimble Roth Rock Award.” This award is presented to one person each year and proclaims that person as the Pennsylvania Conservationist of the year. He also served as Deacon and an adult Bible teacher in several churches.

One of the things he did in retirement was to do volunteer work through Servants on Wheels Ever Ready (SOWERS). This organization provides volunteer workers to a variety of Christian camps, churches and retreats. He also served as Mid-Atlantic Area Representative for SOWERS. He enjoyed playing trumpet in the Brass in Praise Band.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Irene (Doverspike) Hobaugh, a daughter, Cheryl Rich and her husband David of Lexington, NC; two sons, Russell and wife Nancy of Birdsboro, and Gregory and wife Kathy of Philadelphia; and seven grandchildren: Jennifer (husband David), Jonathan (wife Amanda), Phil, Steven, Jacob, Zane and Trinity.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, David; a brother, Howard; and a sister, Helen Jean.

He was known as a man of great faith, godly character and personal integrity. Those who knew him well will miss his playful smile, his constant laughter and the playful twinkle in his clear blue eyes.

Funeral Service will be held at Exeter Bible Fellowship Church, 926 Philadelphia Terrace, Birdsboro, Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 11:00 am.  Pastor Bill Burton will officiate.  A private interment for immediate family only with Military Honors, rendered by the United States Marine Corp Honor Guard will follow at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Cemetery, Birdsboro.  The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home, 6 Fairlane Road, Exeter Township, Monday, January 3, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and at Exeter Bible Fellowship Church Tuesday from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Gideon International PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800 in memory of Mr. Maurice E. Hobaugh.  Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com