George Hoke |
| Posted 2009-05-12 by Williams-Grand Canyon News |
| George Hoke, 84, passed away in Flagstaff on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 after an extended illness. George was born on Oct. 12, 1924 in Fairchild, Wis. to George J. and Esther M. Hoke. He was raised on a dairy farm as an only child but had an interest in radios and other technology. He was a First Lieutenant, radar operator in the Army Air Corp. and was eventually stationed at March Field in Riverside, Calif. While attending church one Easter Sunday, he met Thelma Prior, who was singing a beautiful solo. It happened to be April Fool's Day, but George was no fool. He and Thelma were married 2 ½ months later on June 16, 1945. George and Thelma lived for a time in Wisconsin where their first child, Mary, was born. They returned to southern California to make their home. Walter and Kathy joined their sister, and the family lived in Balboa, Calif. until 1971. George was employed as an electronic engineer for many years. The Hokes moved to Williams in August, 1971. George was a local businessman until his retirement. In the mid '70s he served as president of the Williams Chamber Of Commerce, and during that time, he commissioned local artist Claude Shawbell to create the Bill Williams logo that is still used by the city to this day. An avid reader, he served on the board of the Williams Public Library, and also the Planning and Zoning Committee. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. George is survived by his wife Thelma of 63 years; his children Mary Encabo (Tony) of Covina, Calif., Walter Hoke of Parks and Kate Wamble of Williams; and six grandchildren and three great-grandsons. There will be a private memorial service. Published Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in the Williams-Grand Canyon News. |
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