John Edward Hocker, age 88, died Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Hospice Wendover. Born in Cass County, Missouri on February 5, 1930, he was the son of the late Edwin Green and Vivian Bernice Malone Hocker. John was a member of Lattimore Baptist Church and was proud to have served as a corporal in the the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. John was a long haul truck driver working for Pilot Freight Carriers and with Talon Zipper Company for a number of years. He was a big sports fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals and the Duke Blue devils. In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his twin brother, James I. Hocker; a sister, Marge Longabach; a nephew, Jerry Hocker; and a sister-in-law, Linda Greene.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen Jones Hocker; a sister, Shirley Day and husband Richard of Pleasant Hill, MO; Sisters-in-law, Dot Grigg (Dayne) of Shelby, Billie Baugham (Bob) of Shelby, Lisa Champion (Don) of Shelby, Brothers-in-law, Jim Jones (Beverly) of Marion, and Lenord Greene of Shelby; a host of loving nieces and nephews; adopted by love, Faye Hassell and husband Tom of Boiling Springs; and loving caregiver, Kathy Harris of Rutherfordton.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Lattimore Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with Military Honors. John will lie in state an hour before the service, in the sanctuary, while the family receives friends in the fellowship hall from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Hocker.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com