Irving Lloyd Hottle, Major, USAF, Ret.

Irving L. Hottle, 100, of Winchester, VA, formerly of Strasburg, VA departed this earth on April 24, 2026. Irving was born on July 20, 1925, in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Loy E. Hottle and Virginia (Gochenour) Hottle.

Irving married the late Frances I. (Pence) Hottle of Timberville, VA on April 27, 1946. Frances preceded him in death on August 11, 2017.

Irving is survived by sons, Gary Hottle (Nancy) of Front Royal, VA and Ronald Hottle (Karol) of Clear Brook, VA and daughter Ellen Geisert (Brad) of Lynchburg, VA; grandchildren Christopher Hottle (Jennifer), Nathan Hottle (Dani), Tara Gilbert (Heath), Karen Barnhouse (Matt), Elizabeth Hottle (Steve), Kevin Geisert and Erik Geisert (Katie); great-grandchildren Autumn, Audrey, Peyton, Andrew, David, Tori, Luke, Benjamin, Joan and Aiden. Sisters Gloria Jeffrey and Lois Reed and sister-in-law Jean Hottle Racey. A brother (Donald) and sister (Janet) preceded him in death.

Irving started his education in Detroit, MI and continued (after his family moved to Shenandoah County, VA) graduating from New Market HS, New Market, VA.

After graduation he studied Aircraft Engine Mechanics at VPI and was hired at Paterson Air Force Base as an aircraft engine repair mechanic. He enlisted in the Army Aviation Corps at the age of 17 and entered full active duty as an Aviation Cadet in 1943. Following basic training he studied at Concord College, Athens, WV qualifying for navigation training and went through Pre-flight School in Montgomery, AL; aerial gunnery training on B-24s in Naples, Fl; navigational school in Hondo, TX.

Irving was assigned to Gulfport, AFB, Gulfport, MS training on B-17s eventually training in Air-Sea Rescue dropping lifeboats from b-17s. He was then assigned to the 7th Air/Sea Rescue Squad until his active duty ended on September 25, 1945. After active-duty Irving remained in the reserves serving units in Winchester, VA, the Navigational Training Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base and the WV Air National Guard, retiring in February 1973 with the rank of Major and 4000 flying hours.

Irving is authorized to wear the following ribbons and awards: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Longevity Service Award, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Reserves Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Small Arms Expect Marksmanship and the unit citation for 167th WV Air National Guard.

After military service, Irving was employed at Northern Virginia Daily, Strasburg, VA; the Winchester Evening Star, Winchester, VA and Pifer Printing Company which he eventually purchased and changed its name to Winchester Printers, Inc., retiring there in October 2010.

Irving served as president of the Printing Industries of Virginia (1977-78) and was inducted into the PIVA Hall of Fame. Irving was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, New Market, VA, where he served on the church council and taught Sunday School for over 30 years. He was a member of the Strasburg (VA) Lions Club for over 70 years serving in many positions; a life member of BPOE #867, Winchester, VA.; the American Legion and other military associations.

A funeral service for Mr. Hottle will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, 30, 2026 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 1600, Ridge Road, New Market, VA 22844. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive family and friends at Stover Funeral Home in Strasburg, VA from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy, In lieu of flowers, be in the form of memorial contributions to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 1600 Ridge Road, New Market, VA 22844; Blue Ridge Care, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601; The Village of Orchard Ridge, 400 Clocktower Ridge Drive, Winchester, VA 22603; or to a charity of your choosing.

You may submit your condolences online at www.stoverfuneralhome.com.

Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg, VA is honored to serve the family of Irving Lloyd Hottle, Major, USAF, Ret.