John Douglas Hobson

John Douglas Hobson, Age 89 of Pleasureville, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Norton Brownsboro Hospital with his family by his side. Just two days shy of his 90th birthday, he was born on Saturday, November 9,1935, to the late Charles Morgan and Bessie Edith (Howell) Hobson. Growing up in Floyd County, Kentucky, John moved to Hamilton, Ohio at the age of 17 to begin his career with the Pepsi-Cola Company. He worked hard to provide for his family, helping raise his younger brothers and sisters. Pepsi later moved him to the Lexington plant as a production manager and then on to Louisville as a maintenance supervisor. As a father with seven children, he attended a parent without partners group, where he would fall in love with Mitzi Wells from Pleasureville. Married on November 24, 1984, together they created a large blended family, over 41 years of precious memories and a lasting legacy of love. Upon their marriage, John joined Pleasureville Christian Church, where he would faithfully serve as a deacon and dedicated member who was always willing to help, fix, mow and do whatever was needed for the glory of God. After two decades with Pepsi-Cola, John retired but continued working. Beginning a second career of 17 years with the Kentucky State Government, he was a maintenance technician for the library and archives, and later the Kentucky State Police. An involved community member, John was a longtime member of the Bagdad Ruritan Club and the honored recipient of the 2025 Member of the Year award. Throughout his life, John stayed busy, farming, growing tobacco and raising a garden on the farm. When not working, John and Mitzi enjoyed camping, traveling and fishing. A sports enthusiast, baseball was his game of choice, and he loved the Cincinnati Reds. An avid fan for many years, he proudly attended the final game at Crosley field and the first game at Riverfront stadium in 1970. As the old announcer for the Reds ended every game, John is now in his eternal home, “he has rounded third and he’s headed for home.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Opal Ruff and Viola Stewart, and his brothers, Donnie and Burton Hobson.

He is survived by his wife, Mitzi Hobson of Pleasureville; seven children, Bill E. Hobson of Lexington, Gregory Hobson (Cindy) of Nicholasville, Sheila Hobson of Lexington, Michelle “Mitzi” Wood (Jefferson) of Charleston, SC, John Derrick Hobson (Theresa) of Lexington, Jennifer Cramer (Mark) of Nicholasville, and Andrea Crum (Robert) of Lexington; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; four step-children, Elizabeth “Libby” Adams (Jeff) and Phil Imel (Velda) both of Pleasureville, Jennifer Hayden (Allen) and Michelle Adams (Steve) both of Shelbyville; 6 step-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Ken Hobson, Joe Hobson, both of Hamilton, OH and Larry Elliott (Paula) of Franklin, OH.

Memorial Services will be conducted at 2 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Beckley Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Fenner of Pleasureville Christian Church Officiating. Inurnment will follow the service in the Pleasureville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service on Friday. To honor John’s life and his faithfulness to his church, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasureville Christian Church, Post Office Box 95, Pleasureville, Kentucky 40057. With care and professionalism, arrangements are under the direction of Beckley Funeral Home.