Lowell Hoke's Obituary
Ernest Lowell Hoke, son of Ernest E. and Clara Belle Smith Hoke, was born May 28, 1924, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, January 3, 2009, in St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-four years, seven months, and twenty-five days. On October 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to Hannelore Olbertz, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Russell, Carl “Dutch”, and Warren Hoke; and three sisters, Louise Wallace, Norma Small, and Ann O’Quinn. Lowell is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Hannelore, of the home; two daughters, Sylvia Melton, and her husband, Morgan, and Alexa Schweke, and her husband, John, all of Springfield, Missouri; a son, Gene Hoke, of Strafford, Missouri; two granddaughters, Mallory Hoke, and Emily Melton; three nieces and two nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in the Lebanon community, where he attended Lebanon R-III Schools. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army during World War II. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Lebanon, where soon he met and was united in marriage to Hannelore. They made their home in the Lebanon area and lovingly raised their family. For several years he worked with his brother in the well drilling business, and then began a career in education. He was the building trade instructor for the Lebanon Technology and Career Center for twenty-five years before retiring. Throughout those years, he touched many lives and influenced many students in their career choices. Lowell attended the United Methodist Church during his younger years, and later attended the Lebanon Church of the Nazarene. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post # 4107 in Lebanon. In his spare time he enjoyed feeding wildlife, particularly wild turkeys. He and Hannelore loved to travel and had taken many wonderful vacations together. Among Lowell’s favorite places to visit were Cancun and the Caribbean Islands. They also liked traveling through Europe and especially enjoyed Germany and Spain. His family was very important to him and he greatly enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters. Lowell was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated and caring teacher and instructor, and a good friend. Services will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 6, 2009 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will follow the service under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the Lebanon Technology & Career Center. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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