Richard Hogue died peacefully on December 18, 2011 in Lincoln, NE where he has lived since 1975. He was born to George and Virginia (Logan) Hogue on a farm near Keosauqua, Iowa on March 15, 1920, one of six brothers. Richard worked hard and acheived much in his life. He paid for his own education, graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in June 1942. Richard obtained his pilot’s license while in college and served in the Army Air Force in the European Theater in World War II. He had a successful thirty five year career with the United States Department of Agriculture – Soil Conservation Service. His promotions moved him from Iowa to Upstate New York (Assistant State Social Conservationist), to Washington DC and to Nebraska (Assistant Director of the Midwest) where he retired in 1978.
He was a well-liked friend, neighbor, and community leader, developing friendships throughout the U.S., many lasting to the end of his life. Richard stayed active until his death enjoying fishing, hunting, and was an avid gardener, planting a successful garden every year including 2011. He was also a talented woodworker.
In 1945, Richard met and married Elizabeth Jones in South Wales where he was stationed during the war. In 2011, they celebrated 66 years of marriage. Richard is survived by Elizabeth (Betty) and their six children: Ronald (Sherry Smith) Beaumont, TX, Diana (Thomas Schur) Syracuse, NY, Pamela (Michael Hurley) Raleigh, NC, Sandra (Fred Duncan) Ada, OK, Karen (Kurt Suhr) Lincoln, NE, Sharon (Merv Thompson) Birmingham, AL. Also, two brothers: Glen (Martha), Bella Vista, AK and Harold (Marge) Richland, WA Additional survivors include 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, many beloved in-laws in South Wales and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Edward, Paul, and Thaine.
Services with local friends and immediate family will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. The family will have a memorial service in the early spring that will include extended family and friends. Visitation will be at Wyuka Funeral Home Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. with the family greeting friends from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M.
Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, 84th and Adams Street, Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Iowa State University – Department of Agronomy or the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
The family would like to express great appreciation and gratitude for the kindness from Mark Backencamp, RN/ Tabitha and Dr. David Rutz, MD and extend special appreciation to Dr. Michelle Manning, MD, neighbor and friend.
Karen/Kurt and Family
My sympathy on the loss of your father. Will keep you in my thoughts and hope to see you Thursday. May he ride in Peace and stay in your memories forever.
Peace and Love
Mike M.