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Byron Robertson Hoon Jr. died peacefully May 23, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Byron, son of Byron Robertson Hoon Sr.and Margaret Emma Griffith Hoon, was born January 11, 1918 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, he went on to get a degree in Industrial Arts Education from California State Teachers College in California, Pennsylvania, where he was president of the senior class, a member of Phi Sigma Pi, honorary fraternity, and participated in intramural sports. It was during a college ping pong competition that he met his future wife, Frances Ann Plava.
After a short teaching career in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, Byron enlisted and was accepted into the Flying Cadets Program and went on to train at Randolph Air Base, the West Point of the Army Air Corps in San Antonio, TX. He spent the war years instructing fighter and bomber pilots in advanced instrument flying.
Byron and Frances welcomed the birth of daughter, Connie, while in San Antonio, Texas, and in 1945 moved back to Pennsylvania and then on to Baltimore, Maryland, where he started his business career as an engineer draftsman for Lockheed. However, the warmer Texas weather and blue skies drew the family back to Texas, where daughter, Elaine was born.
Byron started with Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. (PPG Industries) in San Antonio and was soon promoted to glass manager. He continued in this position as he and family moved to El Paso, Texas. He later accepted the promotion of branch manager of PPG in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Byron retired from PPG with 32 years of service in 1982, but retirement was not in his future.
In 1983 he partnered with two other friends to develop the plans and construction of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Myriad Gardens. Starting with the architect’s watercolor sketch and dimensions, he hand drafted the working drawings to bring the project to reality.
Byron was an active member of Northwest Presbyterian, later Church of the Savior in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he served as an Elder, along with his wife, Geanita Spain, whom he married in 1970, after the passing of his wife, Frances.
Byron and Geanita enjoyed many years together traveling to their lake home near Talequah, gardening, and tending the backyard fish pond, which Byron designed and built. The couple later transitioned to Concordia Lifecare Community where they lived together until Geanita’s passing in 2010.
Concordia opened another door to a full life for Byron. He served as President of the Residents Board, enjoyed card playing and Bingo, and also managed to teach watercolor classes.
Byron was a gentleman in the truest sense, but also a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and loyal friend.
Byron is preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, Dr. Clarke David Hoon and Nan Fleming Thompson Hoon, who lovingly raised him, his parents, and wives, Frances of 25 years, and Geanita of 40 years.
He is survived by his daughters, Connie Gardner (Buck), and Elaine Hosage of Austin,Texas, stepsons, Joe Spain and Steve Spain (Patti) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, granddaughter, Kara Morrison (Phillip), Austin, grandson, Byron Rece Sutherlin (Jenny), and great grandsons, Gavin and Jackson, Flower Mound, Texas, and special friend, Shirley Driskill, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be held on Friday June 15, 2018 at 2:00Pm at Concordia Life care Community 7707 W Britton Rd . In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Jean Holden says
Dearest Elaine, so sorry for your loss, I do hope you will come visit our Texas crabapple trees, their blossoms were wonderful. God Speed
For your father, Bryon
Jean Holden
Chuck Waldridge says
My condolences for the loss of your Dad. So pleased you had time & to hold him close at the passing. I will make a gift to USO as a member of the USAF auxiliary. I too was at Randolph AFB & know where Zielienople is in PA.
Sherry Grona says
Elaine,
Your dad was a sterling example of kindness, generosity and how to live a selfless life. Such a talented man that shared his love with so many. I am so sad for you because I know he was your guiding star. Know he left this life on earth giving everything he had to share.
My love and condolences to you and your family that loved him.
Ralph Hausser says
Wishing you peace and wellness in this difficult time. It’s always hard to send a parent on, especially when they’ve been a strong part of our lives for so long. All the best to you.
Pete Sebert says
Dear Elaine, your roots revealed even more. Your shared love and pride of each of other and our country may both plus our care and respectf bring solace to you and honor to your father. A life well lived!
Peace Pete
Glenn and Betty Copeland says
My deepest condolences for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Your dad sounded like a great person with lots to be proud of. Its bittersweet for the loss, but knowing he’s with Jesus gives us hope to seeing him again. He closed his eyes and when he opens them again he will be with Jesus. We are so blessed to know that. It’s our promise from our Savior.
Hollie Gordon says
Elaine, thank you for sharing your father’s life story. It is never easy to say goodby to your parents. Spencer and I send our love to you.