Hobert Lemuel Youngblood of Aurora, MO died March 8, 2025, at 9:37 AM from complications of the covid virus. Hoby passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Aurora with family at his side. Hobert, the son of Bonnie and Grover Youngblood of Ridgedale, Missouri, was born at home on the family farm in Ridgedale on July 29,1936. He was raised in the Ozark mountains of south Missouri and attended Hollister High School, graduating valedictorian of his class. More importantly, it was where he met a pretty girl named Sherry Jo McClease, to whom he was immediately smitten.

As a boy, Hoby worked on the farm as well as at his family's "Filling Station" in Ridgedale. He was also proud to have worked on the construction of the Table Rock Dam in Branson, where he told stories of being hung over the cliff on a rope while he washed away loose rocks with a high-pressure hose. Despite the hard work, he always made time for fun and loved pulling pranks and telling jokes. Although wasn't a very good dancer, Hoby would gladly spend most of his pay taking Sherry to the White Elephant Dance Hall, where they would meet up with friends; but mostly because Sherry loved to dance. Music was also an important part of his life and he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. Anyone that knew Hoby very well got to be included in his version of the 'Groundhog' song, which always brought hoots of laughter when he sang it. Hoby enjoyed meeting new people and seeing the world. He traveled extensively and never knew a stranger.

Upon high school graduation, Hobert joined the United States Air Force. After returning home from basic training, he married Sherry, and life's big adventure truly began. Hobert's military service immediately took the young couple to Cheyenne, Wyoming, then to Scott Air Force Base in St. Louis, and finally Washington, DC where Hoby worked in communications at the Pentagon during the Cold War. It was in Washington, DC where they began their family which eventually blossomed into six children: Mark Youngblood (Barb) of Springfield, Missouri; Steve Youngblood (Sheryl) of Hollister, Missouri; Tracy Pingel (Dave) of San Antonio, Texas; Susanne Small (Stan) of Aurora, Missouri; Julie Youngblood of Springfield, Missouri; and Shelley Western (Shane) of Greentop, Missouri.

After serving in the Air Force, Hobert worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and eventually found his family transferred to Kirksville, Missouri. This is where he and Sherry settled, worked, and raised their children. He later went on to become a pastor, serving the church in some manner until his retirement. Prior to Sherry's passing, with her daughters present, she made Hoby promise to remarry, assuring him he would know when the next "right one" came along.  Hoby kept his promise, having the good fortune to marry Kay Simmons. He spoke freely and often of how very blessed he was to have this special woman to share the remainder of his life with.

Hoby was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie & Grover Youngblood, his older brother James who died during childbirth, his wife Sherry, and a very special grandson, Steven. He leaves behind his six children, two very special brothers; Max Youngblood of Rio Linda, California and Rick (Mary) Youngblood of Hollister, Missouri; his two cherished sisters, Cleota Youngblood of Nixa, Missouri and LaVonna (Roy) Bruce of Springfield, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Alba Cunningham (Don) of Galena, Missouri; as well as his wife, Kay Youngblood of Aurora. He will be sadly missed by grandchildren Lori, Lee, Bekki, Rachel, Jeremy, Seth, Zach, Ana, Mandy, Katy, Mathew, Chelsey, Jade, Brooke, Keely, Kaylee, Bo and Gunner; as well as multitude of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all so special to him.

Hobert Youngblood held a deep faith in God and made sure to let his family know he was at peace and looking forward to meeting his heavenly Father. The absence of Hobert's daily presence here is already deeply felt by those who love him. Hobert's last wishes were to be cremated, and his ashes buried with his loved ones in Omaha, AR. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Hobert had a huge heart for those in need and gave freely without hesitation, even if it meant he went without. Any memorials in Hoby's memory may be sent to: Shelley Western (℅ Hoby's Memory), 10627 US HWY 63, Greentop, MO 63456 with proceeds to be donated in the same manner, with his same heart.

Arrangements are under the direction of White Funeral Home & Crematory