Don Carson Hobaugh

Dr. Don Carson Hobaugh (Col. Ret) of Windcrest, TX passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 25, 2023. He was born on August 20, 1937, in Indiana, PA to Dr. Russell Irwin Hobaugh and Clara Mae Carson. He had recently enjoyed a family 86th birthday celebration which included his twin brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Terry, visiting from North Carolina.

Don’s love of music led him to his partner in life. Having always sung in church choirs, he also enjoyed playing trumpet in the Pitt marching band, but it was his strong tenor voice as a member of the Pitt Dental School Dentones that led to his being recruited for the 1962 Oakmont, PA Lions Club Show and was life changing. As he often told the story, once he saw the alto in the front row, he determined Carol First would become his wife.

Don graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1962 and joined the US Army Dental Corps as a 1st Lieutenant with an initial two-year commitment. That was a busy summer as he and Carol were married and moved to Fort Sam Houston, TX for his Basic Officers’ Course before leaving for his first duty station in Gelnhausen, Germany. Life with the 92d Medical Detachment (Dental) did the trick and that 2-year commitment became a 30-year career.

Then a captain, Don served in Vietnam from 1969-1970, initially doing dentistry from a “mobile unit”, a converted Conex carton, on a mountain with the 1/10 Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division. That experience heightened his sense of purpose for service as a soldier which never left him.

During Don’s 30-year career, he was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Ft. Ord, Ft. Leavenworth, Carlisle Barracks, and Heidelberg, Germany. Several of these PCSs became great fun family road trips with Dave and Mary First (Carol’s brother.) During these years, Carol often served as a church choir director and since she and Don had originally met singing, she often quipped, “have tenor, will travel.”

Perhaps saving the best for last, in 1984 Don returned to the AMEDD Center and School, serving first as Chief of Dental Science Division and finally as Dean of the School. He was an indomitable people person as was reflected in his leadership style: he hid colored eggs at Easter and turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving at the Dental Science Division; he hosted many potlucks on the 3rd floor of AAble Hall and baked lots of pies as Dean. At the same time, he managed 10 teaching divisions training 36,000 resident students annually. Professional staff development and visiting classrooms to observe instruction were priorities.

Don had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories. His “posturing speeches” became a highly anticipated feature of Denal Commanders’ Conferences. He genuinely enjoyed being with good friends and the Hobaugh home was often the scene of fun, food, and laughter.

Don was medically retired in 1992 after the first of other health crises yet to come. He loved visits from his grandchildren and enjoyed working in his garage. The kids learned a lot about “Pa’s Workbench”. Don also forged lasting friendships when campaigning during Windcrest elections. He also dedicated time to the Windcrest United Methodist Church, singing in the choirs, volunteering for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and chairing several committees. Don became president of the Windcrest United Methodist Men determined to grow organization membership. He instituted “The Little Sermon” as a vehicle for individual sharing and connection toward organizational strength and commitment.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Russell and Clara Hobaugh, brother George Hobaugh, sister Catherine Cline, and sister Patricia Wainwright. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dr. Carol (First) Hobaugh, daughters Ruth Lasher and Rebecca Achterberg, grandchildren Eleanor and Stuart Lasher, twin brother Duane Hobaugh, cousin Dolly Nobs, and many nephews and nieces.

Don loved life, and his wife and family were his greatest joy. He loved this country and was proud to have dedicated so much of his life to military service. He and Carol were lifelong Steelers fans.

A memorial service is scheduled at 9:00 am on October 24 at the Windcrest United Methodist Church followed by interment with full military honors at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Tx at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice or the Windcrest United Methodist Church.