Homer E. and Helen J. Hoke

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 lead 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 will be 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 will also be on Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Honor Flight NE Indiana or Donor’s Choice.

Helen J. (Conahan) Hoke, 87, began a new chapter of her life, March 23, 2011, when she passed from this life into the presence of her Lord. Her beautiful soprano voice once again rings freely and clearly as she joins the multitudes in worship before the throne of God.

Born in Fort Wayne on February 19, 1924, to John C. and Pansy G. (Price) Conahan, she graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation, Helen and her parents left for Seattle, Washington, to work at Boeing Aircraft in Renton. After WWII ended, she returned to Fort Wayne and worked as a typist at Sears on Brooklyn Avenue. She married Homer E. Hoke on November 9, 1946, and she helped out in the early days of his plumbing business while raising their four children. A homemaker for the rest of her life, she also assisted him in his role as treasurer of Prairie Grove Cemetery.

Throughout her life, Helen set an example for her family in using her God-given talents in her churches' choirs and Sunday Schools, as well as at home with her organizational skills. Her family will remember her for the many afghans she crocheted and the love of music, nature, and gardening that she instilled in them.

Survivors include one son, John (Ruth Ann) Hoke; three daughters, Kathleen Hoke, Janice (Jeff) Baber, and Kolleen Blaettner; five grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. Her husband joined her death two days after her passing.

Funeral service was held Monday, March 28th, at 1:30 P.M. at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 6810 Old Trail, with calling two hours prior to services. Calling hours will also be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial following in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.