Francis "Andy" Hoban, age 75, of Lewellen, NE, died August 11, 2021, at Perkins County Hospital in Grant, NE.
Andy was born at home in North Platte on July 10, 1946, to William and Lillian Hoban. At the age of 16, he moved from North Platte to Stevenson, WA, where he went on to graduate from high school.
Andy was drafted into the U.S. Army in March of 1966 and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany. He was honorably discharged from his military service in March of '68 and continued to honor our country as a member of the American Legion.
Andy went on to attended Clark College in Vancouver, WA, then transitioned to his 37 year career working for the phone company as a Network Technician. He started at Pacific Northwest Bell and eventually retired from Quest in 2008.
While at Pacific Northwest Bell, he met the love of his life, Markieta McClain, and they married on June 29, 1974, in Clackmas, OR. Andy's greatest adventure began in Spokane, WA, when he was blessed with two children, Heather and Jacob. In 2005, he became a grandfather, his most cherished title.
Andy enjoyed salmon fishing at the coast, hunting for water fowl, and camping at Banks Lake with his family. After many years in the Pacific Northwest, Andy returned to Nebraska and settled in Valentine. He continued working for the phone company and coached Post #90 American Legion Baseball for 15 years alongside his dear friend, Kent Lopez. He also acted as the Post #90 Commander.
After retiring in 2008, Andy and his family managed Big Alkali Fish Camp for 6 years. He spent many of his days exploring America from the Red Woods to Niagara Falls with his camper in tow. His final adventure brought him to Lake McConaughy where he and Markii shared endless sunsets from their home, 'The Roost'.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian Hoban; in-laws, Ray and Juanita McClain; brothers, William 'Ron', Morris 'Moe', Fay and John 'Buck' Hoban; sister, Helen Rogers; sisters-in-law, Anna Hoban and Shirley Hoban; and brother-in-law, Douglas E. McClain.
He leaves behind his wife, Markieta, of Lewellen; daughter, Heather (Joe) Howard, of Lincoln; son, Jacob (Amber) Hoban, of Fairmont; grandchildren, Brecken Hoban, Beau and Hazel Howard, and Farrah and Lydia Gordon; sisters, Gwen (Billy) Golden, of North Platte and Jodi Lee, of Pullman, WA; brother, Terrance 'Terry' Hoban, of Sidney; sisters-in-law, Patty Hoban, Pat Hoban and Marolyn Hoban, all of North Platte, Vickie (Sheldon) Bloom, of Henderson, NV, and Geree (Henry) Diaz, of Vancouver, WA; brother-in-law, Keith Olsen, of Belt, MT; as well as many other family and his friends.
Cremation was chosen. Graveside service with Military Honors will be 2 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Please come in your casual dress. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to American Legion Post #90 Baseball Team in Valentine.