ERVIN HOBBS

Ervin Hobbs, 82, former presiding commissioner of Cape Girardeau County, and a life-long resident of rural Cape Girardeau County, died Friday, April 29, at the home of his daughter, in Cape Girardeau County.

He was born Feb. 27, 1912, in Cape Girardeau County, to Charles J. and Etta A. Brooks Hobbs.

On May 7, 1948, he married Lillian M. James in Cape Girardeau. She preceded him in death on Feb. 14, 1987.

Survivors include three sons, James E. Hobbs and Robert H. Hobbs, both of Cape Girardeau, and Gary Cook of Monument, Colorado; two daughters, Jan Snell of Cape Girardeau and Sue Etta Hobbs of Gypsy. Seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive.

Two brothers and an infant sister preceded him in death.

Hobbs served as presiding commissioner of Cape Girardeau County from 1974-1978. Prior to his election as presiding commissioner, he served as Clerk of the Common Pleas Court in Cape Girardeau from 1962-1970. Hobbs was also active for many years in the Democratic Party.

Hobbs was a member of the Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church, and a member of the Jackson Trail Riders Saddle Club, where he held several offices. He was a life member of the Missouri-Tennessee Walking Horse Pleasure Club.

In the 1940s, Hobbs served six years as president of the Cape Girardeau County Board of Education after it was reorganized.

He was instrumental in establishing the Cape Girardeau County Soil and Water Conservation District, and served six years as its chairman. He also served many years as chairman of the board of the Missouri Farmers Association Cooperative.

Hobbs was a former director of the Southeast Missouri District Fair Board. He also owned and operated several roller rinks in the Cape Girardeau and Scott City area.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., today, at Ford and Sons South Sprigg Street Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Monday, at 10 a.m., at Ford and Sons South Sprigg Street Chapel, with the Rev. David Stewart officiating. Burial will be in the Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, near Cape Girardeau.