Galen Mamoru Hokama

To those who knew him, chief among the traits describing Galen Mamoru Hokama of Greensboro, Alabama are thoughtfulness, humility, and perseverance. Though he no longer walks the earth with us, these qualities serve as inspiration to us all.

Born in Hawaii to Shinsei and Hisako Chinen Hokama July 9, 1948, Galen Mamoru Hokama departed this life on September 2, 2025. He spent his youth in Seattle, later moving to the Los Angeles area prior to settling in Greensboro.

Predeceased by his parents, his brother Maurice, and his first wife Hisako, Galen leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Elizabeth DuBois Hokama of the home; two daughters, Mechelle (Peter) Lauer and Jamie Foley; two stepchildren, Rachel Handoll-DuBois (Malcolm Handoll) and Andrew (Laurel) Russo; brothers Dennis (Pat) Hokama and Calvin (Mutsumi) Hokama and sister, Carolyn Madeo; and seven grandchildren.

A third-generation Okinawan-American, Mr. Hokama was a missionary in Japan who taught English as a second language following his studies at La Sierra University. His further studies at Cal State University led to his positions of production assistant and film technician, the latter for several decades.

Galen was a talented trumpeter and avid golfer, and sang as a tenor with his brothers in a quartet and in Methodist Church choirs in California and in Greensboro.

There will be a Celebration of Life at First Methodist Church of Greensboro on Saturday October 11, 2025 at 10:00 am. All are invited to attend this service which will include soloists, organ, trumpet and choir.