On Friday, Jan, 20, 2023, Jerry Joseph Hocking, beloved dad, grandpa and brother, passed away at Ben Hur Health & Rehabilitation in the presence of his daughters and grandchildren, while surrounded by family and friends. He was 72 years old, born Nov. 26, 1950, to Joseph J. and Violet M. (Surber) Hocking in Crawfordsville.
Jerry played on the undefeated CHS football team in 1968, and was second in state in 1969 wrestling in his weight class. He graduated from CHS in 1969 before serving on a nuclear submarine in the US Navy until 1975. After his military service, he returned to Crawfordsville, where he worked at Midstates Steel and Wire for over 20 years while raising his family.
Over the years, Jerry enjoyed working with stained glass, flying kites, high tech electronics, his two Harley Davidson Motorcycles, collecting and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Mark) Struck of Rossville and Megan (Andrew) Craig of Crawfordsville; his grandchildren, Madison Struck, Elijah Widmer and Elyse Widmer; his brothers, Rick (Cathy) Hocking and John Hobart (Janet Mason) Hocking, both of Crawfordsville; his sisters, Sandra (Ron) Mendenhall of Crawfordsville and Rhonda (Dave) Commons of Lake Holiday; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins spread across Indiana and Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Joseph Hocking; his parents; and his grandparents.
According to Jerry’s wishes, he has been cremated and his cremains will be buried next to his son Matthew at Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville, on Friday, Feb. 3 from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3 p.m., with military honors by the United States Navy and Legion Post 72 Honor Guard. The service will be live-streamed and recorded which can be viewed on his obituary page at www.SandersFuneralCare.com. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in his memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at www.lbda.org.
Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.
