Joseph Lee Hobble

Joseph Lee Hobble, 92, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021.

He was born February 22, 1929, in Midland, Ohio, to the late Warren Hobble, Sr., and Rose (Leslie) Hobble. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann (McAllister) Hobble; his son, Eric Charles Hobble; his brothers, Jackie Hobble (who died in childhood), Warren "Red" Hobble, Jr., and Roger Hobble.

Joe will be remembered with great fondness by his loving daughters, Linda (Bruce) Wilson and Katherine (Jeremy) Bruenn; grandson, Greg Wilson; brother, Walter (Hester) Hobble; sister, Effie Rose Spaseff; sister-in-law, Miriam Hobble; and nephews and nieces around the country.

Joe was one of six children. He graduated from Atlanta High School, where he and his brothers all played basketball. After graduation, he joined the Merchant Marines, so he could travel and see the world. He went to Germany, Japan, South Korea, and several other European and Mediterranean countries.

In between sea voyages, he traveled the United States. On one road trip with three of his shipmates, he went from New York City to California and up the West Coast. In Oregon, he met Ruth McAllister and was dazzled by her smile. His friends moved on, but Joe stayed on to get to know Ruth. He still went on voyages but kept coming back. Joe and Ruth married on April 7, 1951, and after Linda was born, Joe found it harder and harder to leave his young family to sail on the ship. He found work in the Oregon woods, cutting the huge trees. When the lumber mill where he worked burned in 1954, the three of them traveled cross-country, hauling all their possessions behind their car in a small travel trailer Joe built. He found work in Washington Court House, Ohio, near Joe's family, and they had two more children, Eric and Katherine.

In 1964, Joe moved his family to New Albany, Indiana, where Joe's brother, Red, had already settled. There he found work at Jeff Boat, a job that suited him well. He was building the great boats and working on the mighty Ohio River but was still close to his family. Joe went beyond being a worker among workers. He stepped up as a union steward, representing fellow workers in personnel issues.

In addition to his almost 30-year commitment to Jeff Boat, Joe worked with his brother Red in a family ice cream business. After that dissolved, Joe still sold ice cream in Louisville from an ice cream truck in good weather.

Joe became a Mason in 1983, earning his 33rd Degree. He was very active, joining the Scottish Rite, the Shriners, Hillbillies, Tri County, Order of the Eastern Star LaBelle, and the Falls Lodge, serving as an officer many times.

When he retired in 1992, he and Ruth traveled a great deal, something they both loved.

Joe will be greatly missed by those who know and love him.

Arrangements are being handled by Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (New Albany). A memorial service is planned for the spring and will be announced later.

Please consider sharing a memory of Joe or leaving a special message for his family by completing the "Share Memories" section below.