Funeral services for John Wesley Hocker, 88 of Longview, will be 2 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2016 at Greggton First Baptist Church in Longview, with Kevin Bright officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Mausoleum under the direction of Lakeview Funeral Home of Longview.
Mr. Hocker passed away peacefully at his home.
He was born July 10, 1928 in Bokchito, Oklahoma, to Alexander Constantine and Ola Hocker. He met his wife Joy while they were both students at North Texas State University in Denton. He married Gwendolyn Joy Welch July 12, 1951. They lived in Pecos and Seagoville, Texas, before moving to Longview in 1964.
He attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1952, and his master’s degree in 1956 from the same university. Mr. Hocker began his career at Seagoville High School as a teacher and coach for 10 years. He came to Pine Tree ISD in 1964 as a biology teacher and coach. In 1973, he was assigned assistant principal duties in the high school. That same year, he was named Coach of the Year for his work with the baseball team. Highlights in Mr. Hocker’s career included being named Principal of the year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and serving on the TASSP committee. He received the Bravo Award from the PTHS board and was an honorary life member of PTA. He was also a member of the National Association of Secondary Principals.
After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and spending time “spoiling” his grandchildren. He was a longtime member of Greggton First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Constantine and Ola Hocker; his wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn Joy Hocker; and a son, Darrell Keith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his two sons, John Wesley Jr. and wife, Nancy of Tyler , and Douglas and wife Cindy of Frisco; three sisters, Mildred Atchison of Denton , Thelma Fisher of Frisco, Claudia Brooks of Vinita, OK; four granddaughters, Ashley Evans of Florida, Kelsey Mullen and husband Scott of Rockwall; Allison Hocker of Frisco and Macy Hocker of Frisco; 4 great grandchildren, Amelia Mullen and Mallory Mullen of Rockwall, Elizabeth Evans and Jacob Evans of Palmetto, FL; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the East Texas Down Syndrome Group at www.etdsg.org.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, November 10,2016 at Lakeview Funeral Home.
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