Walter Leslie Hobble, age 95, of Liverpool, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2023 in Raleigh, NC with his family by his side. Walt was born in 1927 in rural southern Ohio, the son of Warren and Rose (Leslie) Hobble. Known affectionately to his family of origin as "Bill" (after the folk hero "Wild Bill" Hickok), Walt grew up in the hardship of the Great Depression. After graduating from Atlanta High School (Ohio), Walt served for two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska. He then went on to attend Wilmington College (Ohio) on the G.I. Bill. There, he starred on the basketball court and he was an early inductee into the Wilmington College Athletic Hall of Fame. Also at Wilmington College, he met the lovely Hester Zeiger, who would go on to become his devoted wife of 70 years. After earning his bachelor's degree in physical education from Wilmington College, Walt went on to earn a master's degree in school administration from Ohio State and a master's degree in counseling from Syracuse University.

A career educator and counselor at Liverpool High School, Walt touched many lives through his work. A passionate lifelong athlete, Walt played competitive basketball into his sixties and lifted weights into his nineties. He was an outstanding fast-pitch softball pitcher for decades. In his later years, he passionately took up golf, square dancing, and clogging. (He loved old-time country and gospel music.)

Walt was a longtime member of Liverpool First United Methodist Church. He gave generously of his time, especially to his family and to the youth of his community. He was a true gentleman and will be remembered most for his humility, kindness, and integrity.

Walt is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Hester Hobble; sister, Effie Spaseff; children, Jean (Gordon) Morris, John (Patricia) Hobble and Jim (Janet) Hobble; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding Walter in death are his parents Warren and Rose Hobble and his brothers Warren Jr., Joe, and Jackie Hobble.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the Maurer Funeral Home, 300 Second Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 with a funeral service to follow at 1:00pm. Private burial with Military Honors will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Walter's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .

Please sign the funeral home on-line guestbook for Walter to express your condolences to his family.