DeWayne Monroe Hockemeyer

DeWayne Monroe Hockemeyer, 89, of Whitley County, Indiana, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Miller's at Oak Pointe. Born March 2, 1935, in Washington Township, Indiana, he was the first child of the late Theodore and Evelyn (Nichols) Hockemeyer.

DeWayne was welcomed to the family farm, where his stern father ensured that he learned the value of hard work and heavily relied on DeWayne’s labor tending animals and crops. DeWayne found respite in family holidays and radio shows like The Long Ranger. He enjoyed square dancing, played the trombone in the school band, and had a wonderful singing voice.

On June 15, 1953, DeWayne married D. Marie Turpin and started his role as father to five children. His job as a machinist and tool room supervisor at Huntington’s Memcor E-Systems for over 50 years helped him fill the traditional role of breadwinner. Living next to his father-in-law in Tunker helped him learn to be a nurturing, if not patient, parent. Although he was sometimes quick to anger, he never mimicked the harsh discipline he endured on the farm.

For many years, DeWayne and Marie primarily focused on work, church, and raising their five children. Once the nest emptied, DeWayne focused on his role as husband, enjoying the freedom of a more relaxed home and the opportunity to spend more time with Marie. After his retirement in 2004, he and Marie were able to embrace a busy social life which not only brought them even closer together but also included volunteer efforts at the Woodlands Senior Center, Parkview Whitley, and delivering meals to the elderly.

DeWayne’s love of euchre and panfishing never changed. Those closest to him throughout his life enjoyed his dry wit, naughty jokes, and off-the-wall comments.

DeWayne is survived by his children, Victoria (David Meyer) Thorson, Lorene (James) Jenkins, Greggory Hockemeyer, and Jeffrey (Sherri Lowder) Hockemeyer; grandchildren, Heather, Marcus, Katherine, Christian, Elisabeth, Quentin, Celine, William, and Trent; nine great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Lisa Hockemeyer; siblings, Carolyn Kelsey, Rose Lillich, and Theodore (Becky) Hockemeyer Jr.; and brother-in-law, Lyle Kelsey. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, D. Marie Hockemeyer; son, Richard Hockemeyer; sister, Jane Kelsey; and brothers-in-law, Glenn "Sam" Kelsey, and John Lillich.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with visitation from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Burial will take place at Eberhard Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in memory of DeWayne to Whitley County Senior Center. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send DeWayne's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.