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<img class="size-medium wp-image-1515789" src="http://www.dailyjournal.net/wp-content/files/sites/9/2020/10/webPhoto695921.jpg" alt="Richard " width="240" />Richard "Phil" Hobbs
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GREENWOOD, IN.
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Richard "Phil" Hobbs, 87 of Greenwood, IN passed away Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Homeview Health and Rehabilitation Center in Franklin, IN. He was born on August 31, 1933 in Howard County, Indiana to Woodson M. Hobbs II and Lena O. (Lowry) Hobbs. He was a 1951 graduate of Kokomo High School and attended Indiana University at Kokomo. He had been most recently employed by Lowes in Greenwood, IN in the tool department. Other previous employment had been as a customer service representative for Dave Mason Buick in Indianapolis, a tool and die maker, and a member of Hemelgarn Racing, Indy car team. He owned and operated Hobbs Speed Shop and D & L Speed Warehouse, both in Kokomo. He has a rich drag racing history that started with street racing as a young man. He entered the dragster ranks in the early sixties with race partner Kenny Hirata and the team Hirata and Hobbs was born. This pair has earned numerous championship titles at a variety of levels over the years, including two NHRA U.S. Nationals Championships in 1963 and 1965. In 2013, Phil (and team) were inducted into the National Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The love of racing was a family affair. There were many years of quarter midget racing with his two daughters who both had several titles and championships throughout their careers as well. Phil has an uncanny love of racing and enjoyed sharing his many stories with others. He was a loving and steadfast father to his two daughters. Survivors include his daughter Lori H. Gavorski (Mark) of Greenwood, IN, five grandchildren Linsey R. Hobbs of Bristol, CT, Hannah A. Yopp (Mason) of Upland, IN, Gavin W. Gavorski, Madison E. Gavorski and Lena R. Gavorski all of Greenwood, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Dana K. Hobbs on September 20, 2015, a brother Woodson M. Hobbs III and a sister Jeanne Hobbs. The family will receive friends on Friday October 30, 2020 from 1PM until 3PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. A private graveside service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood, IN. Online condolences may be sent to the family at <a href="http://www.swartzmortuary.com">www.swartzmortuary.com</a>. Information 317-738-0202. <img class="size-thumbnail" src="https://d1bdhkmqqz901h.cloudfront.net/fit-in/300×100/http://www.dailyjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2018/04/SWARTZMORTUARY.jpg" alt="funeral home logo" style="margin-right:auto;margin-left:auto" />
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