Wayne E. Hoge, 98, of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Born March 10, 1928, in West Alexander, Wayne was the last surviving sibling of the six children born to Morgan and Flora Hoge. He carried with him a deep love for his family and the values of his Christian faith, service, and devotion to family throughout his life.
He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948, attaining the rank of corporal and assisting in the American effort to help reconstruct post-World War II Japan. Wayne then went on to graduate from Waynesburg College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Wayne married Louise (née Ankrum) who he first met while in college, and they were off on their honeymoon which was a 300- mile drive to a new apartment and his first business position in Norristown, PA.
He devoted much of his professional life to banking and retired in 1987 as Vice President of Meridian Bank, now Wells Fargo, in Reading, PA. During his years in Reading, Wayne was active in civic and community life, serving as Past President of the Kiwanis Club, and participated in numerous charitable drives and activities.
Following his retirement, Wayne and his beloved wife Louise returned to West Alexander, where they continued a life centered on faith, service to others, and commitment to their community. Married for 69 years, they shared a remarkable life of love and dedication to community and family.
Wayne and Louise delivered Meals on Wheels to housebound seniors through the Claysville Senior Center and managed the West Alexander Cemetery for many years.
Wayne was an active member and leader of West Alexander Presbyterian Church, serving faithfully in leadership roles and supporting the church’s many missions. He also served as a Ruling Elder and Clerk of Session in three different Presbyterian Churches in his lifetime.
He was also a dedicated leader in the Washington Chapter of Gideons International, helping provide ministry, and spear-heading efforts to distribute free Bibles throughout the region.
He was a 70-year member of the Masonic fraternity and a 32nd Degree Master Mason, also reflecting his lifelong commitment to fellowship, service, and principle.
Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community servant. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, steadfast faith, generous spirit, and the example he set through a life of service to others.
Surviving are his two sons, Jeff Hoge of Southborough, Massachusetts, and Mark Hoge of West Alexander, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many friends, neighbors, and fellow church members. Wayne’s family is grateful for the many blessings of his long life, and for the love and kinship shared with him over the years. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation and services will be held at West Alexander Presbyterian Church, with visitation on Thursday, July 9th, from 6-8 PM and Friday, 10-11 AM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 10th at WAPC with Pastor Kable Dale officiating. Interment to follow at West Alexander Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the WAPC Fellowship Hall, following interment. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made in his memory to The Gideon’s International at the following website: gideons.org
Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St., Wheeling, WV 26003 (304-242-2311).
