Larry G. Hocking, 72, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on May 17, 1949, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Jack and Virginia (Humphrey) Hocking. He married Carolyn Kroll on January 3, 1970, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mount Carmel. The two of them have been life partners for fifty-two years.
Larry was a member of the 1967 Graduating Class at Mount Carmel High School. He went on to graduate from Wabash Valley College in 1969. Having grown up in a farming family, Larry and Carolyn carried on that tradition with their own family as a third-generation farmer. They later partnered with their sons, Todd, and Matt, to form a fourth-generation farming operation, Larry G. Hocking and Sons LLC. They followed in Larry’s father’s footsteps with success in oil production with Hwy 3 Oil, which lead to the formation of Hocking Excavating. Larry dearly loved farming with his sons. In the spring, he loved the smell of the fresh dirt, and in the fall, he loved the smell of harvest. Larry was a kind man, always willing to help those in need. Through the years he was a mentor to many of the young farmers, some of which he had hired to help during the busy seasons on his own farm. Larry was a lifelong resident of the Keensburg area. He was involved in supporting the community through the Keensburg Community Club and was part of the Little Don’s Coffee Club at the Keensburg Cafe. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was a lot of fun to spend time with. His friends and family describe him as generous, always having a smile, and full of humor. Larry and Carolyn loved traveling together, and with a group of their friends. Some of their favorite trips were to Europe, Hawaii, and Jamaica. Larry was an avid gun collector and enjoyed auto racing. During his pastime, he liked watching western movies. Larry was a member of the Wabash General Hospital Foundation Board, and a trustee of the Antioch Cemetery. He belonged to the Keensburg Christian Church where he served as an Elder. He loved his family, his church family, and the many friends he made over the years. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Larry leaves behind his loving wife, Carolyn; sons, Todd Hocking and wife, Marlene, Matt Hocking and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Emma, Eva, Greta, Brookelyn, Alex (fiancé Bekah Wall), Zach, Sam, and Lily Hocking; his twin sister, Sherry Kieffer, and husband Roger; sister-in-law, Connie Hocking; nieces and nephews, Susan (Tom) Sumner, Rodney (Diana) Kieffer, Kim (Darrell) Hoeszle; many loved great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Hocking and nephew, Scott Hocking.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 14, 2022, at Keensburg Christian Church in Keensburg, Illinois.
Funeral Services will be 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 14, 2022, at Keensburg Christian Church with Pastor Allan Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to Keensburg Christian Church.
Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Larry’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Hocking family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
