Donald Edward Hoke

God called His faithful servant, Donald “Don” Edward Hoke, age 84, to his eternal rest on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Catawba Regional Hospice. Supported by his loving family and his beloved church family, he fought a courageous battle against health issues for several years. Through the struggle, he continued to maintain his dignity and positive spirit. He was an example to many because of his perseverance even in difficult circumstances. He was loved by both young and old and will be dearly missed on this earth.

Don was born in Catawba County on January 27, 1930 to the late Guy Edward Hoke and Wilsie Sigmon Hoke. When he was a teenager in the early 1940’s, he moved with his parents and brother to Maryland where his father worked in the defense industry. Don was a confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Rainier, Maryland. He graduated from Hyattsville High School and went to work in the furniture industry from which he retired as a warehouse manager. On September 4, 1948, he married the love of his life, Jean Chase Hoke. They were blessed with 65 wonderful years of marriage. In 1977, Don and Jean moved to Lake Worth, Florida, where they owned and managed a motel. In 1984, they returned to Don’s birthplace in Conover, North Carolina where they have continued to reside.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George H. Hoke. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Marion Chase; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Dan Warder; brother-in-law, Jimmy Penn; his nephew, Troy White and his niece, Vicki Hall.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Jean, of Conover, and his loving son, David Edward Hoke of Huntingtown, Maryland. Survivors also include his sister-in-law, Patricia Penn, and her son, Wilbert Penn of Lusby, Maryland; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenny and Marsha Chase, and their sons, Christopher and Samuel Chase of West Palm Beach, Florida; niece, Susan Bahl of Fargo, North Dakota and a great-nephew, Matthew Bahl of Minnesota. Don is also survived by many loving cousins and relatives in the Catawba County area.

Don was a faithful and beloved member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover, North Carolina. He was a gifted man and used his talents to serve his Lord and his church in many capacities. He was a church council member whose passion was serving as Head Trustee for numerous years. During that time, he planted trees and flowers around the church and lovingly maintained the church facilities. His legacy will continue to live at St. Peter’s through the many improvements he spear-headed. He also served as an usher and was a member of the Golden Agers.

The funeral will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. before the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Paul D. Birner will officiate at the service.

Pallbearers for the service will be Harvey Travis, Steven W. Sigmon, Steve L. Sigmon, Darrell Freeman, Steven Rector and Nathan Gantt. Honorary pallbearers will be “The A Team” ushers, Bob Hoyle, Jimmy Huffman, and Ray Goble, and friends, Bradley and Bobby Gantt.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 6175 St. Peters Church Road, Conover, NC 28613 or Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.