BOMBER MEMORIAL

GREGORY THOMAS "GREG" HOBSON ~ Class of 1967
February 1, 1949 - February 12, 2024



In Loving Memory of Gregory Thomas Hobson.

With respect to his family and friends we would like to honor his life at the age of 75 years old when he went home to our Heavenly Father on February 12, 2024.

Gregory was born in Independence, MO on February 1, 1949. He graduated from Richland's Columbia High School with the Class of 1967.

When he was 23 years old, he enlisted into the Armed Forces and became a Military Police Officer as a second career choice. His first career choice was to be a fighter pilot, but he could not pass his eye exam due to his color blindness.

Gregory was stationed in Germany at the beginning of 1972. Greg was heading to Augsburg, Germany on a train to visit his friends; little did he know that this day of September 29, 1972 would be where he met his wife to be, Elfriede (Ellen). They both were hopeless romantics. Ellen was not looking for love, wearing bellbottoms and a jacket as he walked by. He looked like James Bond to Ellen. They soon got married on March 12, 1973 in Kafertaler, Manheim.

He and Danny Wagenaar ('67) enlisted together, and Danny also served in Vietnam. Danny was one of his closest childhood friends; unfortunately, Danny did not make it. Gregory and Ellen attended his memorial, and Danny’s mother had such a great respect for Greg that she specifically chose Greg to raise the flag in Honor of her son when he was laid to rest at the cemetery.

After actively serving in Vietnam on May 17, 1973, Gregory completed his honorary services with the Army and then traveled to meet up with his wife, Ellen, at her aunt’s home where they spent their honeymoon for three days in Paterson, NJ.

Greg and Ellen then moved in with Gregory’s family: Kenneth, Ruth and Ron Hobson in Richland.

Gregory had many jobs in between, and one of his best quotes was “Once a cop always a cop". Once they got their apartment, Greg found his calling as a Pasco Police Officer where he gained the reputation called “The Bear” and made many friends as he was well loved along the way.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ellen; his daughter, Laura Wampole (age 47) and her set of 15-year old twins who were his only grandchildren, Heather and Caleb; by his son, Phillip Hobson (age 42); and by his brother, Ronald Hobson (RHS '74).

Gregory was a wonderful, honest, loving husband, and a caring father. He was a very understanding person, and he was the best father and grandfather that God had sent during his time spent here. Gregory was loved by many. May he follow the river home and rise up when the last Trumpet sounds. Rest well. We love you!

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Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).