CLINTON — Emerson L. Hoke, 83, of Clinton, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, in Union Hospital Clinton. He was born May 6, 1926, in Vigo County, the son of Vern Hoke and Sylvia Kyle Hoke. He was a coal miner and part owner of the Blue Bird Coal Mine, and was a pipefitter in construction. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, a member of Jerusalem Lodge 99 Free & Accepted Masons, Vermillion County Low Twelve Club, American Legion Post 140, Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute, 40 & 8, Half Century Club and Local 157.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Frances Hoke, on March 2, 2000.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Charlie Holmes of Whitestown; sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Beth Hoke, and Dan and Judy B. Hoke, all of Clinton; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Chubb of Clinton, and Marge Neice of Fontanet; four brothers, Don, Charlie, and Bob Hoke, all of Terre Haute, and Tom Hoke of Crawfordsville; and several nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his companion, Betty Andis.
Services are 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at Frist Funeral Home, 458 Blackman St., with the Rev. George Guinn officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with Masonic memorial rites at 7:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
