Oswald Talmadge Hobbs Jr.

Talmadge Hobbs, 77, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, January 26, 2026 at Sanford in Fargo after a devastating fall on the ice.

Oswald Talmadge Hobbs Jr. was the first and last born child to Oswald Talmadge Sr. and Velma (Austin) Hobbs on July 22, 1948 in Sumter, S.C. He may have been an only child, but he grew up with 24 Hobbs cousins.

Talmadge spent many happy days at his Grandmama's big house, built by his Grand-daddy for their family of ten children. Across the "Hobbs Crossroads", where five country roads converged, there was a country store built, which is still in operation today. (See Google Earth for Hobbs Crossroads). He proudly loved to talk about his southern roots and especially playing football with his cousins under the black walnut tree. Their widowed Grandmama prayed in her bedroom for her family.

He played tuba in the Clemson University Marching Band. His children could tell you his favorite colors were purple and orange. After Clemson, he joined the Army and enjoyed serving with his tuba in the Army Band and was also the assistant director of the Enlisted Chorus.

He married Valerie Dawn Moline on July 7, 2007 at The Naz Church in Fergus Falls, MN. He never grew tired of exclaiming his pleasure in becoming a part of the Moline family of 13 children, unfortunately he never got the "org chart" for the family he requested.

In his marriage of 30 years to Debra Rogers Lee, Talmadge was blessed to become a father to Greg and Valerie. He recalled hearing the song "Because He Lives" and weeping as he held his son while the words "How sweet to hold, our newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he brings. But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days, Because He Lives".

Talmadge would proudly tell you he has the phone number of New York Yankee, Bobby Richardson, in his phone. Bobby is from Sumter, S.C. In his youth, Talmadge would ride with his daddy on a fan bus to see the Yankees play. There was only one person in this world, that he was too shy to talk to...Mickey Mantle. His daddy took him over and introduced him. Later in life he heard the amazing story of how "The Mick" had given his heart to Jesus before he died. In his last years on this earth, Talmadge pastored at The Church of the Nazarene (The Corner) in Aberdeen, S.D. as well as served as interim pastor at Peace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls. He loved to prepare and preach his sermons, often singing a solo to emphasize the theme. He became more and more an evangelist, someone who loved to tell others about Jesus, whether it was in the jail, a coffee shop, Chick-fil-A "Stool #8" at Truett's Grill in Atlanta, GA area or in his home. He led two of his grandchildren to Christ in the van on the way to church. His last career was serving as a school bus driver in the communities where he lived, Aberdeen, SD and Fergus Falls, MN.

He was loved and enjoyed by his family and his dog, Lou. Talmadge will be deeply missed.

Talmadge was joyfully welcomed into heaven by many loved ones including his parents and many aunts, uncles from both the Hobbs and Austin families (Apex, NC). Also preceding him in death was Carolyn Caldwell, who actively prayed with her husband for the Hobbs family.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife; Valerie D. Hobbs; children, Greg (Kim) Hobbs and Valerie (Cory) Ferguson; five grandchildren, Kaylyn Hobbs (23), Michael Ferguson Hobbs (14), Zoe Ferguson Hobbs (11), Riley Ferguson Hobbs (9) and Alexandra Ferguson Hobbs (8); his friend and former wife, Debra Rogers Lee and his most trusted friend and confidant, Rev. Darwin Caldwell; as well as many extended family and numerous friends.

Family and Friend Gathering: 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026 with an open mic at The Naz in Fergus Falls.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at The Naz, followed by a fellowship meal. The service will be live-streamed through Talmadge's Facebook page: Talmadge Hobbs page.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com