by USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Hobart Dale “Doc” Schoonover, 96, of Findlay passed away early evening on Friday, October 3 at his home. Doc was born at home in McComb, Ohio on July 12, 1918. His parents were the late Dr. Roy and Myrtle (Fry) Schoonover. He married Ruth Lenore Bowersox on March 23, 1941, and they enjoyed over 71 years of marriage before her death on April 29, 2012.

Hobart was very special to his twin daughters Sandy Schoonover and Sharon (Rick) Wyant who survive him in death. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Robert Bowersox; and sister-in-law, Elinor (Harry) Burkholder; and many nieces and nephews. Hobart was preceded in death by his sister, Bernice (Morelle) Wells; brothers-in-law, Dick (Fern) Bowersox, Kenneth (Maxine) Bowersox, Earl (Carol) Bowersox and John Junior Bowersox; and sisters-in-law, Eloise (Robert) Christman, Dorothy (Norman) Edinger, and Thelma Bowersox.

Doc attended Findlay City Schools, Findlay College, Asbury College and graduated from the The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine on March 9, 1943. He had his own veterinary practice until he retired in 1980. From then on it was full time training and racing harness horses. His racing career spanned 64+ years, competing in Ohio and Michigan at the county fairs and pari-mutuel tracks. Doc also worked in the judge’s stand as a timer for many years at the Hancock County Fair and served on the Fair Board. He was making appearances in the winner’s circle at age 91, 92 and 93. In 2010, he was inducted into the Northwestern Ohio Colt Racing Association Hall of Fame, and this year he was inducted into the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame. One of Doc’s famous quotes often heard after driving a good race, “It was all the horse; I was just along for the ride!”

Doc was a life-long member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He was a Sunday school teacher and served on many committees at the Church. With his love of gospel music, he sang in a men’s quartet touring many churches and sharing Jesus Christ through songs. He also enjoyed bowling, and bowled for many years on the church bowling league.

Sandy, Sharon and Rick would like to thank family, friends, horsemen, neighbors, and acquaintances for being a part of their Dad’s life. As Doc would say, “The good Lord has provided me with many blessings.”

Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500). Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 218 East Sandusky Street, Findlay, with Pastors Laurie Beaty and Barry Baughman officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Bridge Home Health and Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to: www.huffordfh.com.