Melvin Lamar Hoke

Melvin Lamar Hoke, 87, passed away peacefully December 10, 2016, at his residence in Hereford, Colorado after a long battle with dementia.

Melvin was born January 27, 1929 in Weldona, Colorado and raised in the Keenesburg - Greeley area. He was a lifelong resident of Weld County. He graduated from University High School in Greeley in 1947 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. After basic training he was assigned to an engineering unit constructing buildings for U.S. bases in Okinawa, Japan. The carpentry skills he learned there served him well throughout the rest of his life. At the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Melvin was recalled to active duty and served in combat with an American unit attached to the South Korean Army. After returning to the United States, Melvin served on the Greeley Police Department and Colorado State Patrol for nearly 10 years.

On October 29, 1953 Melvin married Donna Kopsa of Galeton, Colorado. In 1963, Melvin and Donna purchased a farm near Hereford, Colorado which they later turned into a successful dairy business known as 'The Hoke Dairy". Melvin had a lifelong love of farming and was involved in agriculture most of his life, even when working various other jobs.

Melvin loved his children, and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He loved watching them grow up to be fine young adults. He loved sharing his life stories.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna Hoke; three of his children and their spouses: Randy (Cheryl) Hoke of Broomfield, CO, Audie (Cherie) Hoke of Bryan, TX, Karen (Jim) Cass of Hereford, CO; seven grandchildren: Bethany Hoke, Lisa Hoke, Jaimy Cass, Brent (Danielle) Cass, Janelle (Matt) Manore, Adele Cass, Jade Cass; and one great granddaughter: Aspen Manore. He is also survived by two sisters: Daisy Croissant and Donavay Kimble; and sister-in-law: Martha Hoke. Melvin is preceded in death by his daughter: Shari DeAnn Cozad; granddaughter: Kacie Lyn Cozad; three brothers: Everett, Leonard, and Bob; and one sister: Yvonne.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on December 22 at Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Christmas Crusade for Children.