Jerry Hoke, the sixth son of Jess and Melba Hoke, passed away on October 24th when he finally succumbed to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Jerry Hoke, born on November 20, 1935, is survived by a son, Chad Hoke (Rockville, MD), his brother John Hoke (Nashville, TN), and four grandchildren, Sydney and Shane Hoke (Austin, TX) and Jess and Jack Hoke (Rockville, MD). Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, five brothers, Tom, Dick, Monte, Bob, and David, and Jerry’s first born son, Lance Hoke.

Jerry attended primary and secondary school in Oklahoma and was an accomplished athlete. While a student at Classen High School, Jerry was a two time State Wrestling Champion and received a wrestling scholarship to Michigan State University. While at Michigan State he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity as were his six brothers and father. The Hoke/ Kappa Sigma legacy continued with Jerry’s two sons, Lance and Chad as both were brothers in the fraternity and each with leadership positions as actives. Jerry wrestled for the US Marine Corp and traveled the world competing for the team. In 1958, he was a National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) runner up to Japan’s Nabaru Ikeda. 

Jerry went on to pursue a career in business and started his family with his former wife, Joann Hoke. The family lived in Oklahoma City, OK, Metairie, LA, and Houston, TX where they raised their two boys. Later in life, Jerry returned to Oklahoma City, OK where he remained for the rest of his life with his long time caregiver, Lonnie Cleland.

Jerry was a lover of fine art, poetry, and the many pets he kept through his lifetime. He was a thoughtful father and trusted friend who will be greatly missed.