Obituary of Gaylon Hoke
Lewis Gaylon Hoke was born September 17, 1938 in Pope County, Illinois to Lewis and Lora (Twitchell) Hoke. He passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 at his home after a long illness.
He married his best friend and love of his life, Dorothy Lee Cox, on August 5, 1957. They were married for 55 years and thoroughly enjoyed their life together. To this union three children were born: Vicky Gayl, Kelly Dawn, and Jared Lee.
He is survived by his daughter Vicky and son-in-law Todd Gourley of Evansville, Indiana; daughter Kelly and son-in-law David Clark of Champaign, Illinois; four grandsons Blake and Brock Gourley of Evansville, Indiana and Nathan and Jacob Clark of Champaign, Illinois; special friend, Carolyn Anderson of Karbers Ridge, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; son, Jared; parents; and sisters, Alice Clardy, Orpha Robinson and Betty O’Neal.
He was a hard working man who was always ready to lend a hand to anyone at anytime. He will be remembered as a loving and caring father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all who knew him.
Services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Hardin County Funeral Service. Burial followed at Lavender Cemetery. Rev. Harold Miller officiated.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gaylon Hoke to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123 or online at www.cancer.org.
His Journey’s Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
Card of Thanks
We thank our wonderful family, friends, and neighbors for their prayers, consistent communication, food and flowers, and genuine support. We especially thank the following: Reverend Harold Miller for his words of encouragement; the staff of Hospice of Southern Illinois for their loving, tender care during this difficult time and Hardin County Funeral Service for the arrangements. Words cannot express our appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Vicky and Kelly
Dorothy and I graduated high school together in 1957, that is how I met Galen- a better man never walked the earth him. Sending love and condolences, We were out of state for the funeral.
Gaylon & I were friends from before 1st grade. We enjoyed many hours of play as little kids, as we grew older he was the brother I never had. Miss our phone calls every week remembering the good times.
I was a friend of Jared’s and remember having lunch at BBQ Barn in Harrisburg with them about 6-7 years ago. I have prayed for him often over the years, losing his son and wife in such a short time. I am so sorry for all your family’s losses and I will keep you all in my prayers.