MARSHALL, Texas – The East Texas Baptist University Athletic Department lost a dear friend as Joe Hogue, ETBU alumni, donor, fan, and faithful supporter went to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the age of 97. Hogue was the epitome of what it meant to be a servant-leader throughout his life.
A 2001 ETBU Tiger Hall of Fame inductee, Hogue first came to East Texas Baptist College in 1952, after serving in the Navel Air Corps in World War II in the Pacific. While at ETBU, he was a member of the schools' athletic program by lettering in track for two years and serving as manager and athletic trainer in the athletic department for three years. As a member of the Tiger Track Team, he competed in the javelin, pole vault and 120 meter high hurdles as well as competing in the distance events. He was a cheerleader for two years, a member and officer of "B" Club for three years, and the Sports Editor of the ETBC Yearbook and newspaper staffs, as well as working as an ETBC correspondent for the Marshall News Messenger. He also taught men's activity classes and was chosen Who's Who of the Physical Education Department his senior year. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Physical Education.
Hogue and his late wife, Marilyn, were married in 1956 and were strong supporters and boosters of Tiger Athletics for many years. They established the Joe and Marilyn Hogue Athletic Trainer Scholarship in 1989 and have added to this yearly for students preparing for a career in athletic training. The couple also gave out the Joe and Marilyn Hogue Presidential Servant-Leadership award to one female and male student-athlete each year. When Ornelas Gymnasium was constructed, the Hogue's supplied funds to equip the athletic training room and have since donated to make possible the trophy cases in the Dean Healthplex, as well as the Tiger Hall of Fame touchscreen display. Together, they supported numerous projects across campus including providing the Hogue Room in the Ornelas Student Center, a study room in Centennial Hall, and the "Fishers of Men" statue located in the Quad.
In 1994, Joe received the W.T. Tardy Service Award given for outstanding and continuous service to ETBU. Joe was recognized as an ETBU Golden Blazer in 2010 for his faithful support for and volunteer service to the University. Joe was honored for his cumulative giving to the University with his induction into the ETBU Founders Society in 2017. Membership in the ETBU Founders Society is reserved for those who have contributed at least $100,000 to the University throughout their lifetime.
Joe was probably best known as the historian for all ETBU athletic teams. His love for the Lord manifested through him being an avid fan of all Tiger athletics teams and his remembering great players and outstanding games from the Hill. Tiger athletes for many decades have been blessed by his encouragement and support. He was a cheerleader for the institution his entire life.
Service arrangements will be announced later and in lieu of flowers the family has requested funds be given to the Joe and Marilyn Hogue Scholarship Fund at ETBU.
