KILGOROUND

In this area, his name surfaces with the mention of the Star Spangled Banner, Laird Hill Baptist Church and Leverett's Chapel School District. And though he spent 20 years as principal and teacher at Leverett's Chapel, Joe Hogue remains a very active member across our East Texas communities.

Joe was born in Huntsville but considers Livingston his home.

"My father was a carpenter by trade, but at one point, his work became scarce and he went to work for a short while as a guard at the prison in Huntsville. That's when I was born which made me the youngest of nine children," Joe said.

He graduated from East Texas Baptist College, which is now a university, and started teaching in Dayton. It was there he met his wife, Marilyn. She was a teacher, also.

"The elementary principal in Dayton moved to Leverett's Chapel to become the superintendent

of the school. He asked me to join him as elementary principal. That was in 1962. He lasted one year, and I stayed for 20," he laughed. Marilyn taught school for 19 years in Overton and has 35 years of teaching to her credit.

Joe and Marilyn joined Laird Hill Baptist Church and for 27 years he was the music director.

"The community and church were larger at the time," said Joe. "And I had 44 members in the choir." Both taught classes from youth to adults and even took their Bible teachings to summer camp in Ringo, La. Joe was honored for his work with the choir and the church and on his 25th anniversary it was proclaimed as "Joe Hogue Day" and he was again honored on the 27th anniversary.

Some of his fondest memories of Leverett's Chapel School District were the graduation ceremonies held for the kindergarten class each year.

"They were so special to me, to see these little ones walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and attempt to tell me they would see me next year. They were precious," he said. "And out of all the years, I always looked forward to that day.

"Mrs. Nina Smith was the Kindergarten teacher and for 25-30 years she was responsible for making sure that graduating program was the best. Everybody called it a major production."

Joe serves with the ETBU Executive Council of Alumni and has participated with the council since 1957. In 2001, Joe was inducted into the ETBU Athletic Hall of Fame.

"My wife and I attend all home basketball and volleyball games and I attend girls' softball and football games," he said.

"They found out I could sing the Star Spangled Banner, and I have sung at many athletic events. I open the Bluegrass Festival in Overton with it each year and, being a member of Post 9185, I have sung for the VFW.

"I have served with many excellent teachers over the years," said Joe. "And I am proud to have done so.

"I am also the very proud father of two stepsons, one of whom passed away last year. They have given me seven grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren and I love them dearly."

Joe and Marilyn's life remain active and from what I hear, there are no plans otherwise than to continue to serve their church and their community the best way they know how.

The only change with Joe is he wears a toupee.

"It's no secret," he laughs, "I've worn it for years and on occasion it has been used to get reaction from others... It's been a good life and one that I have enjoyed."

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Happy Birthday today to Adele LaGregs, Bill Hughes, Suzie Van Meter, B.B. Shelton, Renee Ethridge, Mike Maddox, Crystal Harkness, Amy Bates, Rusty Holcombe, Nina Woodward, Patricia Hanisee, Beverly Golden, Cynthia Williams, Erin Gore, Eddie Axberg, Erica Melton, Tamra Colbert, Betty Baker.