John Arnold Hoke, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the age of 66.
Born January 19, 1959, he was the son of the late Paul Hoke and Nellie (Spears) Hoke.
John graduated from Eastern High School in 1977 and continued his education at Ivy Tech and Indiana University Southeast. He served the East Washington School Corporation as a bus driver for over 20 years – driving countless students over thousands of miles. Additionally, he was the owner and operator of Hoke Insurance Agency, and he was proud to serve on the Board of Directors at Telemedia for 12 years. He had a strong Christian faith and found comfort in watching various pastors and sermons virtually on Sunday mornings while courageously battling his illness.
In his spare time, John enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, playing poker, antiquing, fishing, camping, bike riding, and spending time on his boat. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching Survivor, and drinking a hot cup of coffee on the front porch. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, who will deeply miss him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nellie (Spears) Hoke. He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Judy (Hoskins) Hoke; one son, Tyler Hoke; two daughters, Paige (Hayden) Casey, and Jamie (Anthony) Mosby; six grandchildren – Sadie, Graham, Hadley, Hudson, Caroline, and Natalie – whom he cherished immensely; and three brothers – Paul “Rick”, Charlie, and Kenny Hoke.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Pekin Chapel with Pastor Jason Saylor officiating.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Burial will follow in Mount Washington Cemetery.
