Robert Donald Hoard
1937-2024
January 24, 2024, Retired Master Chief Robert “Bob” Hoard, 86, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away peacefully at his son’s home with his beloved children, Brenda and Michael, present after a sudden decline in his health. His family is deeply saddened by his death.
Bob was born April 26, 1937, to parents Wilbur and Freda Hoard in Morgantown, West Virginia. Bob has one brother, Richard Hoard.
Bob met his wife Louise, of 66 years, while they were attending Morgantown High School. They were married February 23, 1957. After a short college experience, Bob joined the Navy where he served 30 years as a Cryptologic Operator (Communications Branch). Bob, with his family, Louise, Brenda, and Michael were lucky enough to be stationed at several locations where they had countless wonderful family adventures- Honolulu, Hawaii; Ellsworth, Maine; San Juan, Puerto Rico; San Francisco, California; London, England; Virgina Beach, Virginia; and Suitland, Maryland. During his 30-year service in the U.S. Navy, Bob served during the Vietnam War.
After retiring from the Navy, Bob and Louise moved to Berkeley Springs, W.Va. and joined Trinity Asbury United Methodist Church where they ministered with many young people and the community through the Creator’s Critters Puppet Troupe. For many years Bob helped Louise with Vacation Bible School, taught the youth VBS class, led the adult Sunday School class, and operated the sound system for Sunday services.
Bob embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of faith, and an unending generosity. He accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and a perpetual smile. He had devotion for his family, spiritual work, and the outdoors. Bob loved to hunt, fish, and camp whenever he found the time. He also loved woodworking and made many wonderful toys for his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his two children, Brenda Stahl and her husband Tommy and Michael Hoard and his wife Libby; four grandchildren, Ashley (Terrell), Andrew (Mikayla), Watson (fiancé-Casey) and Benjamin (fiancé-Rachel); four great-grandchildren, Isabella, Liliana, Michael, and Diana; brother Richard Hoard (Beverly); many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, loyal friends and extended family members.
Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Louise Hoard.
He will be missed dearly.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Bob and the Hoard/Stahl family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 a.m. with a reception to follow, Saturday, February 3 at Trinity Asbury United Methodist Church, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to MCEAT, Morgan County Emergency Assistance Team. They provide money, food and services to persons in need in Morgan County- PO Box 988 Berkeley Springs, WV 25411-0988.
