Charles F. Hobbs, 98, died peacefully on February 28, 2024 at his home in Connersville.

He was born May 23, 1925 to Henry Morgan & Maggie Buchanan Hobbs in Ewing, Virginia.  He attended Thomas Walker High School in Ewing and joined the US Navy in 1944.  He proudly served on the USS Boxer aircraft carrier in World War II.  After his honorable discharge in 1947, he continued to serve his country with the Reserves for seven additional years.

When he returned from the war, his family had moved north with most of them settling in Connersville.  This is when he met his love, Bernice Kidd.  They were married on April 16, 1949 at the Alquina United Methodist Church.  They were married for 71 ½ years before Mrs. Hobbs passed away October 26, 2020.

Charles worked many jobs but he retired from the Fayette County School Corporation where he was Director of Transportation and Maintenance for 38 years.  He was well-known throughout the community as everyone's bus driver at one time or another.  Even prior to his death, his memory was well served as he could still remember bus routes, people's address and the kids he drove to school or sporting events.  His passion, however, was raising his cattle and being an auctioneer.  For over 36 years, they had their farm in Alquina which was always filled with cows and horses.  Charles operated the Hobbs Auction Barn in the old Hudson Store in Alquina every Saturday evening for years.  He conducted many auctions throughout his career as well as for the school carnivals where he also played Santa Claus each Christmas when his girls were younger but his greatest love was for his family.  He loved and adored his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren and the feeling was mutual.

Charles was a long-time member of the Alquina United Methodist Church (known now as Alquina Church) , Alquina Red Men's Lodge and was awarded the Kentucky Colonel.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Nancy (Joe) Redd of Liberty, Karen Bales and Mary (Jeff) Callahan of Connersville.   Grandchildren, Brian Redd of Liberty, Stephanie (Eric) Shaffer of Indianapolis, Charles Baker, Bobbi (Brandon) Huber and Billy (Chris) Redd of Connersville, IN and Seth (Kelsey) Callahan of Hendersonville, TN.

Great-grandchildren, Tyler, Codey and Calum Redd, Dylan and Connor Redd, Madeline and Elaine Shaffer, Jordan, Riley, Chandler, Zachary Redd and Nicholas and Nevin Huber, Natalee Hart, Emajean and Elsie Claire Callahan and several great-great grandchildren.  Special Nephews and Nieces on both the Hobbs and Kidd side.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Charles Michael Hobbs, a grandson, Charles Michael Redd, son-in-law Bob Bales, sisters Mary Craig, Lula Washam, Bennie Cleek and brothers, Bill Hobbs, Chester Hobbs, Henry Hobbs, Jr. and Gilmore Hobbs and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Tina Fout and Crescent (Cricket) Caldwell who loved and cared for him like their own.  Also to Advantage Health, Omni Health and Amerysis Hospice for their loving care.

Friends and family may gather on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.   Funeral Services will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday March 6, 2024 at 11:00 am with Pastor Rob Judd of the Alquina Church officiating.   Charles will be laid to rest in Union Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Alquina Church.