Hoehn, Robert Campbell
Robert Campbell Hoehn left this earthly life on July 18, 2023, in Blacksburg, Virginia, at the age of 89, to join his wife of 64 years, Johnnie, and many beloved friends and family. He passed away surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues who continued his lifelong love of lively conversation, family, and friendship to the final moments.
Known to all as Bob, Dad, and Grandpa, he lived as a man of faith, ever striving to show the love of Jesus to everyone he met. He never met a stranger, and was quick to offer kindness and help to anyone in need. He was the provider and protector of his family, and set an example for all. Bob had a contagious smile and sense of humor, even continuing to the very end to keep everyone laughing. He loved all animals, especially his dog Cricket, and his two cats, Ellie and Piper.
Born in New Orleans on June 25, 1934, to Robert R. and Kathaleen Campbell Hoehn, Bob lived in Missouri and Oklahoma, but always considered himself to be a Texan. A graduate of Amon Carter-Riverside High School in Fort Worth, Texas, Bob continued his education at North Texas State University where he met the love of his life, Johnnie Shelley, and they married on June 12, 1954. He earned his B.S. in Science Education and an M.A. in Biology from NTSU. Bob served his country in the United States Army from 1956-1958 as a Biological Science Research Assistant. Afterwards he taught in public schools and later as a faculty member at NTSU. In 1970 he earned his PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia, and joined the Civil Engineering Department at Virginia Tech in 1971.
A talented musician, Bob used his gifts of teaching and singing to lead choirs and worship in his churches, lead Sunday School classes, and serve as deacon. His beautiful singing voice was a blessing to everyone who heard him. His last twenty-three years he has been a member of Main Street/GraceLife Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and singing in the choir.
He was a leader in his field, and was awarded several prestigious awards in his career, although his humble spirit would never mention it. He even has a mountain peak in Antarctica named after him, but he rarely mentioned it. He truly loved teaching at Virginia Tech, and made lasting friendships with students and colleagues alike.
Cherishing his memory are his children, Julie Carter and Michelle Hoehn, his grandson Drew Carter (Nicole), great-granddaughters Hailey Kathleen Carter and Avery Mae Carter; sister Kay Nell Richard, sister-in-law Nancy Hoehn, and many nieces and nephews; also greatly loved as his ‘children’ are Aney Massie, Cathy Smith Wagnon, and Charles Ngassa; special friends, Bob and Donna Barbatti who have treated us all like family; loyal and beloved colleagues from his years at Virginia Tech. A special thank you to the attentive and kind people at English Meadows, Warm Hearth, and Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital.
His family will miss his great love and laughter, and take comfort in the knowledge that we will see him again one day.
Funeral Services will be conducted Friday, July 21, 2023, at 11:00 am in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 am before the service on Friday, July 21, 2023, at McCoy Funeral Home 150 Country Club Drive S.W., Blacksburg, Virginia 24060.
July 20, 2023 @ 10:06 pm
Bob Hoehn was a brilliant scientist, a great teacher and a great good friend. Notwithstanding his accomplishments and recognition by his colleagues, he was modest, kind and always eager to listen and learn. Perhaps his unique blend and gentle goodness were rooted in his deep faith in a compassionate God. Whatever the source of his strength and strong ethical center, he was always a loyal friend, generous with his time and unqualified support even in my toughest times. I will miss him. God bless Bob Hoehn’s memory and his good name.