Rev. Robert C. Hoban

Reverend Robert Campbell Hoban was born to the late Robert and Alice Hoban on October 14, 1910 in the comfort of his parent's home at 1817 S Street in Washington, D. C.

Rev. Hoban enlisted in the United States Army on July 10, 1943, and received honorable discharge on December 23, 1945. While enlisted, he served a tour of duty in England and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In addition, he received numerous awards during his enlistment which include: The Good Conduct Medal, The European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

Once he returned to civilian life, he made Virginia his home and developed an appreciation for farming; thus, spending many years of his adult life tilling the fields, planting, and harvesting. Perhaps Rev. Hoban's interest in planting and harvesting from the earth was the launching pad for his ministry of planting the Word and harvesting souls for Christ.

Early in his life, under the leadership of Rev. L.O. Banks, Rev. Hoban joined the Little Zion Baptist Church in Oak Grove where he maintained his memership. He continued to support Little Zion's Ministry through prayer, and demonstrated Christian stewardship as a faithful tither. Rev. Hoban was licensed to preach the Gospel under the leadership of the late Dr. Winston S. Devaughn.

In August 1948, Rev. Hoban married the late Ardell Dickerson. A union of over fifty years ensued. Together, Rev. and Mrs. Hoban became pillars of the community, working to serve their Lord.

Realizing the importance of education, Rev. Hoban enrolled in A.T. Johnson High School to fulfil a dream that began while he lived in Washington, D. C. to earn his high school diploma. His dream became a reality on June 3, 1958, when he graduated from A.T. Johnson. He often reminisced with his classmates, who were younger but whose youthfulness added to his life, about attending A. T. Johnson. Desiring to continue his education, he matriculated at Virginia State College and Virginia Union University's Smith Evans Institute of Pastoral and Religious Studies.

Rev. Hoban was Pastor Emeritus of Zion Baptist Church in Lottsburg, Virginia where he served as Pastor for over 34 years. During the height of his ministry, Rev. Hoban was fortunate to travel to the Holy Land with a group of fellow clergymen including Rev. William Bowen and Rev. Edward Byrd. He had a profound love for foreign mission and lead Zion Baptist Church to become faithful supporters of the Lott Carey Foreign Missions. While serving as a minister of the Gospel, Rev. Hoban did not forget his civic duties as a citizen of Westmoreland County. Recognizing his leadership, he was appointed to serve as a member of the Westmoreland County School Board.

In his spare time, Rev. Hoban enjoyed playing the organ and witnessing through hymns and spirituals of the Church.

Rev. Hoban leaves to hold his memory dear; one brother, Sherman Hoban; two step-children, Medwyn Weldon (Marie), and Oswald Weldon; one grandson (raised as a son), Victor (Tracey); four nieces, Joan, Nellie, Alice and Regina; one nephew, Ricky; devoted cousins, Donald Campbell, Peggy Maiden and Etta Hughes; one brother-in-law, Olga Dickerson (Virginia); three sisters-in-law, Marjorie Charity, Bernice Oliver and Cleo Mitchell; devoted neighbor, Margaret Purce; the beloved congregations of Zion Lottsburg and Little Zion, one son in the ministry whom he loved, Rev. Jeffrey O. Smith, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535