Wiilliam "Bill" D. Hosking

Col (Ret) William D. “Bill” Hosking, of Moscow, died Friday, January 26, 2019 at his home in Moscow. He was 91.

The son of the Rev. & Mrs. William T. Hosking, he was born in Kewanee, Illinois on January 8, 1928. He attended Knox College, graduating Cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, in 1949 and the Hartford Seminary Foundation in 1951.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force, completed pilot training and was commissioned in April 1954. The following month he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Robinette of Chattanooga, TN, the daughter of Col and Mrs. Ray Robinette, in the chapel at Ellington air force base in Texas. Although he was born a “Damn Yankee”, his wife and family always thought of him as a Southern Gentleman.

As a Lieutenant he was Aide-de-camp and personal pilot to the commander of the Alaskan Air Command, during which time Alaska became a state. During the Vietnam War, as a Major, he was with the 602nd Fighter Squadron stationed at Nakhon Phanom, AB in Thailand. He flew 114 combat missions in single engine fighters, receiving 8 air medals, the Bronze Star and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses for Valor. He was Commander of the 57th Aerospace & Recovery Squadron, in Azores, Portugal as a Lt. Commander. His last assignment was at the University of Idaho as a Professor of Aerospace Studies. When the unit was closed, he took early retirement and returned to the University of Idaho, as a Student earning a PhD.

He was preceded in death by his wife and two infant children, Robinette Le and William. He is survived by his son Donald, and Daughter Paulette, several Grandchildren and great grandchildren and one Great-great grandchild. 

Declining burial at Arlington National Cemetery, Bill will be cremated according to his wishes and no formal services will be held

The family would like to give thanks to all who have served, past and present. They would like to also thank Kindred Hospice for all their help.

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