Archie Columbus Hogan, Jr., 83, of Brenham, Texas, passed away October 13, 2020 peacefully at home with his children.
Archie was born February 20, 1937 in Brenham, Texas, the eldest child of Archie Columbus Hogan, Sr. and Ruby Ruth (Meredith) Hogan. Archie graduated from A.R. Pickard High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Prairie View A&M University in 1959. He planned to work as a high school teacher but months after college graduation, was drafted into the US Army. He was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Schofield Barracks Oahu, Hawaii, serving for two years before receiving an honorable discharge and earning the Army Good Conduct Medal. He began graduate studies in agricultural economics at the University of Hawaii.
In 1963, Archie joined the US Peace Corps as one of its first African American volunteers and served in Cali, Colombia. His Peace Corps cohort, known as Columbia Group 6, formed a tightly knit group that remained in close contact until his last days. Archie finished his graduate work at Southern Illinois University, earning a Masters of Science in Agricultural Economics and Industries.
He joined the US Agency for International Development in 1965 and his first assignment took him to Vietnam, where he coordinated wartime development projects. He also pursued economic development graduate training at Oregon State University. Archie had a long, distinguished career with USAID, participating in international development initiatives throughout west and central Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. He was a commissioned Foreign Service Officer and served as the Senior Business Specialist for the USAID Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
No matter where he traveled in the world, though, Archie was a proud Texan and son of Brenham. A lifelong member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, he believed in his Lord and savior Jesus Christ and embraced a life of service to others. He retired in 1995 after 33 years of government service and pursued varying jobs and interests before returning to his hometown.
Archie was a loving son, brother, uncle, godfather and cousin. He married and divorced twice. Archie became a father late in life, a role to which he was devoted. He adored Sara and Archie, and was present at every science fair, recital, Cub Scout activity, and graduation. His love of travel was passed on to his children, who he took on countless cross-country road trips and adventures abroad. Archie enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, Texas BBQ and chili, fixing cars, and most of all, meeting new people. He possessed the gift of connection and could strike up a conversation and laugh with anyone.
A voracious reader and lover of politics, international spy thrillers, and American history, Archie at his busiest would read up to four novels in a week. He was an avid bird watcher and all of the neighborhood animals knew to stop by his backyard for the treats he left out daily. He loved to play chess and often carried a chessboard with him in case he would meet new opponent, who would often then become a friend. Archie loved life. And it was a remarkable, colorful, and full life that he lived.
He is survived by his beloved children Sara Ruth (Francis DeMichele) Hogan of Manhattan Beach, CA and Archie Columbus Hogan, III of Washington, DC, niece Sheila RuthRandolph of Fort Worth, TX, nephew Roland Nicholas Brown (Zawarki Dugar-Brown) of Houston, TX, cousin Darlene Burelson of Oxford, NC, and a multitude of loving family members and friends. Archie is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Marilyn Joyce (Randolph) Hogan and Darlyne (Brown) Hogan. We know that he is overjoyed to be reunited with his heavenly family. Those who he left behind, though, will miss him beyond measure.
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