Franklin “Frank” L. Hoke

Franklin “Frank” L. Hoke, 81, of Sullivan, MO passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 1, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Franklin Lilburn Hoke was born on August 8, 1941 in Nelson, MO to Francis and Elizabeth (Thorp) Hoke. He grew up and attended grade school in Nelson and Stanton. As a young boy, he and his family moved to Sullivan and Frank began working in local factories at an early age. He married Henrietta Busse on May 22, 1962 in St. Clair, MO. To this union they were blessed with three children: Janie, Michael, and Paul. They raised their family in Sullivan.

From a young age, Frank was always strong and hardworking. He worked in the roofing/gutter industry for many years and even owned his own company. He eventually purchased a car parts store, NAPA, and worked and operated the store as a family in both Sullivan and Cuba. The store’s name eventually changed to Carquest.

Frank and Henrietta became members of First Baptist Church in 1971 and they were an integral part of the bus ministry through the years.  They were also active members of Meramec Valley Baptist Church for over 20 years. Frank’s foundation was always rooted in faith and he was very passionate about kids coming to know the Lord.

As a young man, Frank enjoyed racing stock cars. He always had a love for horses, enjoyed going on boat rides, and traveling with family and friends. Frank was overall just a wonderful man of God. He was thoughtful, humble and giving, fun loving, and a good friend. He will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Frank is survived by his wife of 60 years, Henrietta Hoke; three children: Janie Lawrence and husband Todd of Sullivan, MO, Michael Hoke and wife Barbie of Sullivan, MO, and Paul Hoke and wife Ansley of Greenville, SC; two brothers, Don Hoke and wife Sue of St. Clair, MO and Tom Hoke and wife Charlotte of Sullivan, MO; one sister, Catherine “Kitty” Adams of Bourbon, MO; eight grandchildren: Lora Pence and husband Ben of Sullivan, MO, Seth Lawrence and significant other, Brooke Johnson, of Pacific, MO, Emily Dugan and husband Stephen of Pacific, MO, Michael Hoke and wife Rachel of Sullivan, MO, Joshua Hoke and wife Deborah of Fairbanks, AK, Cody Hoke and wife Chelsea of Sullivan, MO, Hudson and Hadley Hoke, both of Greenville, SC; eleven great-grandchildren: Aiden, Brynlee, Archer, Rowan, Maddox, Chloe, Brandon, Leland, Gwen, Emma, and Adalyn; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Elizabeth Hoke; and three brothers: Francis Jr., James, and Joseph Hoke.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, December 8, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Sullivan with Pastor Chester Lahmann officiating. Interment will follow in Anaconda Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Sullivan.

Memorial contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sullivan Youth Fund.

Online condolences may be shared with Frank’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.