LaVerne West Hoge of Washington, PA, passed away on Sunday-September 24, 2017, at the Genesis Rehabilitation & Care Center in Bridgeville, PA, at the age of 94. He was born in Waynesburg, PA, on March 27, 1923 to Harry and Edith (West) Hoge. He grew up helping out on his father’s farms in Center and Franklin Townships in Greene County with his four brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1943 and soon after in June 1943 enlisted in the US Navy.

In the Navy, LaVerne went to basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and then engineering school at Norfolk, VA. He then was sent to Charleston Navy Base, SC, to be a fireman on the new destroyer, USS Paul Hamilton (DD 590). After training, the ship was sent to the Pacific. He was only off the ship 4 times in the next 2 years.

While home on leave, the ship was being overhauled for the invasion of Japan. He married Margaret “Peggy” Jones on July 17, 1945. Shortly after getting back to his ship, World War II ended and he was discharged on November 13, 1945.

After returning from the War he was employed as a mechanic at the Greene Street Garage for a little over two years. He then went to work for Suawk Trucking Company in March 1948, as an owner operator and worked there until his retirement. He moved his family to Washington, PA, in September of 1951, where he resided for the rest of his life.

After Peggy’s death, he married Bette (Briner) Iams in 1980. They enjoyed traveling, visiting his children & old shipmates and going to Navy reunions of the crew of his old destroyer. He was a member of the American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post # 175 and the VFW # 927. Bette died in 2013.

LaVerne was a member of the First Baptist Church of Washington for over 66 years, from the time he moved to Washington till his death. He was member of the Fidelity Sunday School Class and was named a Deacon for Life. After retiring, he enjoyed golf and bowling and taking care of his home. He was a big Pirate, Steeler and Penguins Fan.

He is survived by his three children; Carl (Kathy) Hoge of Charleston, SC, Sandra “Sandy” (Bill) Liston of Philadelphia, NY, Jack (Mary) Hoge of Washington, PA, 10 grandchildren; Amy, Mark, Matthew, Andrew, Troy, Molly, John, Rachel, Ryan & Jared, 11 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, a step son in-law; Ed (Rose) Moyer of Washington, PA, a step grandson; Craig Moyer and two step great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister; Loreen Dukate and brother; Reed Hoge.

In addition to his parents and two wives he was preceded in death by his brothers; Ralph and Gerald and sister; Eleanor McClelland and a step daughter; Sandra (Iams) Moyer.

A member of the “Greatest Generation” and a proud American, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Friends will be received on Thursday-September 28, 2017 from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave. Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Supervisor/Director, Susan Falvo Warco, Director, S. Timothy Warco II, Director. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday-September 29, 2017 in the funeral home with Pastor Steve Dunlap officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post # 175 and the United States Navy. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the First Baptist Church, 101 S. College St. Washington Pa. 15301 or to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org for relief of Harvey, Irma and Maria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

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