Robert C.

Hoops

Robert Carl “Bob” Hoops, age 88, of Brandywine, WV, left his earthly home on November 11, 2026, at the Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 12, 1938, in Dayton, OH, the son of the late Howard and Fern (Hunter) Hoops. On August 23, 1997, Bob married Doris Louise (Gillespie) Hoops, who survives in Brandywine.

Bob attended schools in Dayton, OH and was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. He lived a life marked by service, leadership, and steady involvement in the organizations and activities that he cherished.

Bob served on active duty in the United States Navy from October 2, 1956, until July 1, 1980, retiring after nearly twenty-four years of service. That devotion to duty remained a defining part of his life. He completed a long and honorable military career.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Bob continued his commitment to public service as a Department of Defense Recreation Director, a role he held for 26 years, from September 28, 1980, to July 1, 2006. Through that work, he remained dedicated to supporting others by helping create opportunities and helping build strong communities. He also dedicated his time to young people as a middle school basketball coach for four years.

Bob’s life was enriched by wide-ranging interests and deep involvement in civic, fraternal, and recreational organizations. He was a member of Highland Golf Club, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290, Franklin Moose Lodge #769, Pendleton Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. #144, Order of the Eastern Star, Franklin Chapter #138, Osiris Temple in Wheeling, WV, and the Potomac Highlands Shrine Club. He was also a life member of VFW Post 9666. His love of sports and community participation was evident in his 15 years of association with the Amateur Softball Association and his eight years with the Canaan Valley Board of High School Officials in basketball.

Bob was instrumental in organizing the Leo Slusher Memorial and he had a passion for golfing. He had a witty sense of humor and enjoyed sharing jokes with his family and friends.

Bob will be remembered with respect for his years of military service, for his dedication to recreation and youth athletics, and for the many ways he stayed connected to the people and institutions around him. His life reflected commitment, fellowship, and a genuine investment in the communities he served. To know Bob was to love him.

In addition to his wife, Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory: 2 daughters, Colleen Plaugher (Ted) of Franklin, WV, Robin Simmons (Mike) of Franklin, WV; 3 grandchildren, Caylie Cooper (Trey), Dr. Hannah Plaugher Smith (Justin), Matthew Plaugher (Rose); 5 great-grandchildren, Alexander Plaugher, Scarlette Plaugher, Wade Smith, Evelyn Plaugher, Avery Smith; a step daughter, Dorenda Louise Watson (Andy) of Columbus, OH; a step son, Randy Douglas Crager of Columbus, OH; 2 step brothers, Wolfgang Barr and Klaus Barr both of Germany. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his grandson, Corey Michael Simmons.

Bob's family will receive friends on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 12-2 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Pastors Angela Lambert and Paul Shafer officiating. Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Brandywine, WV, with Military Honors conducted by the US Navy. Memorials may be made to: Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship Fund or to PAWS (in memory of “Ping”). Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.