William R. Hoke

Major William (Bill) R. Hoke, USAF (Ret.) died peacefully on October 14, 2017 at the family home. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Carol. William is survived by his four children, Kent Hoke and his partner, Mary Rahe, Eric Hoke and his wife, Taminy F. Marshall, Cynthia Hoke and her husband, Jerry Tankersley and Kevin Hoke. Bill is also survived by numerous grandchildren and his beloved niece, Barbara Hale and her husband, Michael Hale.

Bill enlisted in the USAF in 1951 and received his commission upon completion of Officer Cadet School. He flew a wide variety of aircraft throughout his military career. He was a proud member of the Air Commando Association and Nightfighters’ Association. He was a Fighter Pilot, a Test Pilot and an Air Commando. He was deployed on many overseas assignments including multiple combat tours in Vietnam. His family enjoyed accompanying him on many of his travels.

Bill retired after 23 years in the USAF and had a fine time in his retirement. He traveled extensively and dedicated much time to hunting, fishing and tracking down a good deal. He also entertained himself planning and executing practical jokes.

His loyalty and dedication to his family and country were unquestioned. He was fiercely independent, and lived and died according to his own standards. He will be deeply missed.

Services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming. The interment of Bill and Carol’s remains will occur at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 11:15. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warriors Project. Please visit our online guestbook for Major Hoke at www.FrenchFunerals.com