Donald Neil Hobby transitioned from this life's labor into eternal life on August 29, 2023, at home, after an extended battle with Alzheimer's and dementia. He was born August 9,1928 in Mt. Vernon, Indiana to Camilla (Johnson) Bumphus and Robert "Rabbit" Hobby.
For the majority of his life, Donald resided in Mt. Vernon, moving to Evansville, IN in 1991. He attended Booker T Washington school completing the 8th grade. At that time Mt. Vernon did not offer high school classes for Black students. However, not having a high school diploma did not deter Donald from establishing a work career. Proudly, at the age of 58 he completed his GED. Being no stranger to hard work, Donald often simultaneously held 2 or 3 jobs to provide for his family. Donald was an exceptionally skilled welder employed with Babcock & Wilcox and Bucyrus Erie for many years. In later years he was employed as a maintenance tech with Evansville Housing Authority from where he retired. At EHA, Donald quickly became the "go to" maintenance guy. There seemed to be no challenge he would not tackle and find a way to resolve. His knack for contract work earned him the title of "Mr. Fix It" for family and friends. He was often hired by others for household repairs, plumbing, landscaping, remodeling, etc. in their homes and places of business.
As a young man, Donald accepted Christ, leading his family to join the Church of God in Christ, pastored by the late Elder B.T. Borroum. He also attended Miracle Revival church in Eldorado, IL led by the late Rev. Tommy Flewellyn and the late Rev. Michael Whobrey. In later years he accompanied his mother, attending Little Valley Baptist church (Rev. Matory Bailey, Pastor). There, Donald met his long-time friend/brother, the late Jesse Clark. Before Donald's illness, the two of them would spend long hours reading, studying and discussing the word of God. Both were faithful Sunday School and bible study scholars and would often "tag-team" as teachers when called upon. Donald also often attended service with family at Memorial Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr., Pastor).
No matter which church he attended, Donald always dressed super sharp. His Sunday wardrobe was expansive, and he never failed to coordinate his ensemble of suite, shirt & tie, impeccably pairing shoes, hat and jewelry. Whenever traveling he would shop for styles and colorways not found in the local market. He enjoyed turning heads and receiving compliments on his wardrobe. Once, when he was about 85 years old, his grandson asked how he maintained his appeal to the ladies, to which he quickly replied, "Have you seen me on Sundays?" This phrase caught the attention off the National Baptist Committee and was coined as a fashion segment title in their annual style show.
Donald worked hard and played hard. In younger years, he was a partier and a lady's man. Donald was a "big spender" and his robust personality always made him the life of the party. He had many acquaintances (old and young) from his drinking days who still affectionately refer to him as "Pops". As the years passed, Donald and his drinking buddies would often reminisce about the shenanigans and good times they shared. Donald often spoke of how God kept him through those years. He expressed thanks for the intercessory prayers of others when (as he would say) he didn't have sense enough to pray for himself. All glory be to God for his life's testimony,
Never meeting a stranger, Donald enjoyed being around people. Whether he was at church, a bar, visiting with family or just running into an acquaintance on the street, he would strike up a (usually lengthy) conversation. Donald was a dependable friend who readily lent a helping hand. While his health allowed, he could be counted on to be a blessing to friends and neighbors in need. Whether clearing debris after a storm, shoveling sidewalks during snow or cutting the neighbors' grass, he was always available.
Donald was an avid card player, novice artist and amateur poet. He had a passion for touring motorcycles (although he retired from riding) and enjoyed owning luxury sedans. Donald loved the Lord and immensely enjoyed gospel music and anointed preaching. He lived a blessed life of longevity, enjoying good health, until a few years prior to his death. Even through his mental health decline, he remained physically healthy, strong and determined.
Another of Donald's many skills and joys was cooking. He routinely participated in preparing large family meals, feeding anyone who stopped by for a visit. On summer holidays Donald could always be found over one of the barrel grills he constructed. Neighbors would often offer to buy his food right off the rack or ask him to grill for them. He was often asked to prepare his specialty dishes which included potato salad, deviled eggs, meatloaf, chicken & noodles and baked beans, just to name a few. He delighted in making special treats, such as homemade fried pies, with his children anxiously waiting to devour them.
Donald was married to Dorothy (Jones/Jackson) Hobby. The two of them shared seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sons, Perry & Bryan Hobby; daughters, Donna Davis, Cheryl Stewart & Damita Fleming; one grandchild, Anthony Hobby; brothers, Stanley Bumphus and Thomas "Buddy" James. He is survived by one son, Roger "DG" Hobby and daughters, Pamela Kendall & Lori McFarland, all of Evansville, IN. Also surviving are grandchildren, Belinda Starks, Phyllip Davis, Donavon Cassidy, Arlester "Shelly" King, Lori Hobby, Torrey (Tamika) Kendall, Dion (Stacy) Kendall, Dorothy Nicole Kendall, Shawnte' Hobby, Jesse Stewart, Brandon Stewart, Kishauna Hobby, Trevor Blackwell, Kamali Hines, Tarron Givens, Bryan (Sandra) Fleming, Jr., LaShonda Fleming, and Kai Jarvis Fleming; 44 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends along with many "children" that were welcomed into the family fold through the years.
The family has entrusted arrangements to Osborne Funeral Home, 702 Gum St., Evansville, IN. Services have been set for Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Memorial Baptist Church with visitation at 10:00 am and a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to gather in Donald's honor at 1:00 pm (after services) at the Annex, 315 Taylor Ave., Evansville, IN.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Neal Hobby, please visit our flower store.
For the majority of his life, Donald resided in Mt. Vernon, moving to Evansville, IN in 1991. He attended Booker T Washington school completing the 8th grade. At that time Mt. Vernon did not offer high school classes for Black students. However, not having a high school diploma did not deter Donald from establishing a work career. Proudly, at the age of 58 he completed his GED. Being no stranger to hard work, Donald often simultaneously held 2 or 3 jobs to provide for his family. Donald was an exceptionally skilled welder employed with Babcock & Wilcox and Bucyrus Erie for many years. In later years he was employed as a maintenance tech with Evansville Housing Authority from where he retired. At EHA, Donald quickly became the "go to" maintenance guy. There seemed to be no challenge he would not tackle and find a way to resolve. His knack for contract work earned him the title of "Mr. Fix It" for family and friends. He was often hired by others for household repairs, plumbing, landscaping, remodeling, etc. in their homes and places of business.
As a young man, Donald accepted Christ, leading his family to join the Church of God in Christ, pastored by the late Elder B.T. Borroum. He also attended Miracle Revival church in Eldorado, IL led by the late Rev. Tommy Flewellyn and the late Rev. Michael Whobrey. In later years he accompanied his mother, attending Little Valley Baptist church (Rev. Matory Bailey, Pastor). There, Donald met his long-time friend/brother, the late Jesse Clark. Before Donald's illness, the two of them would spend long hours reading, studying and discussing the word of God. Both were faithful Sunday School and bible study scholars and would often "tag-team" as teachers when called upon. Donald also often attended service with family at Memorial Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr., Pastor).
No matter which church he attended, Donald always dressed super sharp. His Sunday wardrobe was expansive, and he never failed to coordinate his ensemble of suite, shirt & tie, impeccably pairing shoes, hat and jewelry. Whenever traveling he would shop for styles and colorways not found in the local market. He enjoyed turning heads and receiving compliments on his wardrobe. Once, when he was about 85 years old, his grandson asked how he maintained his appeal to the ladies, to which he quickly replied, "Have you seen me on Sundays?" This phrase caught the attention off the National Baptist Committee and was coined as a fashion segment title in their annual style show.
Donald worked hard and played hard. In younger years, he was a partier and a lady's man. Donald was a "big spender" and his robust personality always made him the life of the party. He had many acquaintances (old and young) from his drinking days who still affectionately refer to him as "Pops". As the years passed, Donald and his drinking buddies would often reminisce about the shenanigans and good times they shared. Donald often spoke of how God kept him through those years. He expressed thanks for the intercessory prayers of others when (as he would say) he didn't have sense enough to pray for himself. All glory be to God for his life's testimony,
Never meeting a stranger, Donald enjoyed being around people. Whether he was at church, a bar, visiting with family or just running into an acquaintance on the street, he would strike up a (usually lengthy) conversation. Donald was a dependable friend who readily lent a helping hand. While his health allowed, he could be counted on to be a blessing to friends and neighbors in need. Whether clearing debris after a storm, shoveling sidewalks during snow or cutting the neighbors' grass, he was always available.
Donald was an avid card player, novice artist and amateur poet. He had a passion for touring motorcycles (although he retired from riding) and enjoyed owning luxury sedans. Donald loved the Lord and immensely enjoyed gospel music and anointed preaching. He lived a blessed life of longevity, enjoying good health, until a few years prior to his death. Even through his mental health decline, he remained physically healthy, strong and determined.
Another of Donald's many skills and joys was cooking. He routinely participated in preparing large family meals, feeding anyone who stopped by for a visit. On summer holidays Donald could always be found over one of the barrel grills he constructed. Neighbors would often offer to buy his food right off the rack or ask him to grill for them. He was often asked to prepare his specialty dishes which included potato salad, deviled eggs, meatloaf, chicken & noodles and baked beans, just to name a few. He delighted in making special treats, such as homemade fried pies, with his children anxiously waiting to devour them.
Donald was married to Dorothy (Jones/Jackson) Hobby. The two of them shared seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sons, Perry & Bryan Hobby; daughters, Donna Davis, Cheryl Stewart & Damita Fleming; one grandchild, Anthony Hobby; brothers, Stanley Bumphus and Thomas "Buddy" James. He is survived by one son, Roger "DG" Hobby and daughters, Pamela Kendall & Lori McFarland, all of Evansville, IN. Also surviving are grandchildren, Belinda Starks, Phyllip Davis, Donavon Cassidy, Arlester "Shelly" King, Lori Hobby, Torrey (Tamika) Kendall, Dion (Stacy) Kendall, Dorothy Nicole Kendall, Shawnte' Hobby, Jesse Stewart, Brandon Stewart, Kishauna Hobby, Trevor Blackwell, Kamali Hines, Tarron Givens, Bryan (Sandra) Fleming, Jr., LaShonda Fleming, and Kai Jarvis Fleming; 44 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends along with many "children" that were welcomed into the family fold through the years.
The family has entrusted arrangements to Osborne Funeral Home, 702 Gum St., Evansville, IN. Services have been set for Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Memorial Baptist Church with visitation at 10:00 am and a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to gather in Donald's honor at 1:00 pm (after services) at the Annex, 315 Taylor Ave., Evansville, IN.
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