HOMER E. HOKE, 88
“Some Glad Morning” finally came for HOMER E. HOKE, 88, who left this life March 25, 2011, to take his place in the bass section of Heaven’s choir.
Born May 2, 1922, to Howard and Lillie (Crabill) Hoke and a lifelong resident of Waynedale, Homer grew up in a hard-working household, beginning young, helping in the family business of digging basements with a team of horses and producing cement blocks. A 1940 graduate of his beloved Elmhurst High School, he served in the U.S. Army’s 353rd Engineering Regiment & Construction Battalion, spending 38 months building general hospitals and airstrips in the South Pacific islands, as well as Manilla and Yokohama.
Shortly after his return, Homer’s apprenticeship with the original owner of Waynedale Plumbing Supply led to his father’s 1950 purchase of the business for his four sons to run and which Homer and his brother Virgil operated for over sixty years. Through the years, their customers appreciated their wealth of knowledge and common-sense approach to home repair.
In November 1946, Homer married his neighbor-girl sweetheart, Helen Conahan. Together they raised four children, all of whom still live in the Fort Wayne area.
A strongly held commitment to good stewardship was reflected in many aspects of Homer’s life − as faithful church choir member, financial supporter of church ministries, board member/treasurer of the Prairie Grove Cemetery for over 45 years, as well as salvaging anything that still had “use” left in it. One of the few still around old enough to remember the early days of Waynedale, witnessing farmland and pasture turn into homes and businesses during his lifetime, his sharp memory was always good for recollecting the people and places of its history. With wonder and thanksgiving, Homer had many times acknowledged God’s hand moving, guiding, protecting, and providing in his business and personal life. Likewise, his children are forever grateful to have been raised “in the light.”
He is survived by his children: John (Ruthann) Hoke, Kathleen Hoke, Janice (Jeff) Baber, and Kolleen Blaettner; five grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and brothers Earl Hoke and Virgil Hoke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen J., parents and a brother, Orval.
Funeral services were Monday, March 28, at 1:30 P.M. at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN with calling two hours prior to services. Calling also on Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial in Prairie Grove Cemetery.
Preferred memorials to Honor Flight NE Indiana or Donor’s Choice.
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