Earnest LaGrande Hobbs, age 86, passed away peacefully Tuesday May 8, 2018 at his home in Ammon, Idaho. Funeral services will be held at the Etna, Wyoming LDS Chapel on Friday May 18, 2018, at 1 p.m. with a viewing prior to the services from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Burial will follow in the Etna cemetery. Arrangements are made by Schwab Mortuary in Afton, Wyoming. LaGrande was born November 22, 1931 to Earnest Samuel Hobbs and Sarah Merrill in Richmond, Utah. He was the oldest of four with two sisters and one brother. He married the love of his life, Jane Deona Roberts in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple on September 11, 1953. They were blessed with four sons, one daughter, 22 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, with one great grandchild and a great-great grandchild soon to arrive. At the age of 13 the family moved to Star Valley Wyoming. He loved the hunting, fishing, and beauty of the valley. He attended Star Valley High where he played football, was elected Senior Class President, and was the salutatorian at graduation. As a tank commander in the 141st Tank Battalion of the Wyoming National Guard, LaGrande served his country valiantly in the Korean War. He finished his military service in Korea as a Sergeant in the 330th Ordinance Depot Company. LaGrande attended Utah State University where he graduated in Plant Pathology with highest honors. His education continued at Iowa State and graduated with a PHD in Plant Pathology. The family then moved to Bradenton Florida where LaGrande worked at the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station and worked on curing diseases of commercial cut flowers. His wife, Deona became ill while working there, so he took a job teaching in the Botany Department at Weber State in order to be closer to family. North Ogden, Utah became their home while he taught for thirty-one years. He had many happy experiences with students and loved every minute teaching. He also enjoyed the challenge of serving as Department Chairman for thirteen years. While working at Weber State, LaGrande shared his love for the sciences by volunteering countless hours judging the Science Fair. He also accompanied winners to the International Science Fair to compete there. His efforts helped thousands of students to learn and to experiment with the amazing things in the world. LaGrande held various positions in the LDS church, many which involved teaching. He especially enjoyed his calling as Scout Master where he was able to work with his boys as they grew up. After retirement, they moved back to their beloved Etna Wyoming. They enjoyed family and friends there along with the beauty of Star Valley. As they aged, LaGrande and Deona moved to Ammon, Idaho to be near two sons and their families. They provided many hours of loving care and support for LaGrande and Deona during their twilight years. Through the years, LaGrande was totally devoted to his wife, Deona and never left her side until the day she died. LaGrande is preceded in death by his dear wife, Deona, father, Earnest, mother, Sarah, and brother Robert M. Hobbs. He is survived by his sisters, Laura Witzel (Ray), and Cleo Ward; children Brent L. Hobbs (Kathie), Jeannie H. Griffin (Spencer R), Brian R. Hobbs (Jill), David Bruce Hobbs (Joanne), Bradley H. Hobbs (Dori), along with 22 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren. LaGrande was one of those rare individuals who spent his life in service to others. Because of his goodness, kindness, and gentleness he was dearly loved by his wife, children, grand children, and all who knew him. He is greatly missed and greatly loved.

Viewing: Friday May 18, 2018 11:00 AM
Funeral: Friday May 18, 2018 1:00 PM
Burial: Friday May 18, 2018 1:30 PM