Wendell Earl “Fizz” Hocking, 84, of Springfield, died Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at his home.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Bisch Funeral Home in Springfield. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Donald Goodenow and Judy Donley-Henderson co-officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Cemetery in Franklin.
Mr. Hocking was born June 11, 1936, in Franklin, the son of the late Oliver L. “Tid” and Mary E. (Mansfield) Hocking. He married his high school sweetheart, Norma Faye Seymour, on Aug. 24, 1957, in Franklin, and she preceded him in death on June 23, 2020.
A 1954 graduate of Franklin High School, he was a co-owner of Contractor’s Lumber City in Springfield prior to retirement, and had worked in the lumber business for over 60 years. He also served in the IL Army National Guard.
He and his wife attended Wesley United Methodist Church and later Kumler United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Elks Club, the 38 Club and the Home Builders Association.
Mr. Hocking had a passion for sports, and he coached the Fairview Youth baseball team for many years. He was a Lanphier High School basketball fan and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, attending hundreds of games. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, as well as watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke. He never knew a stranger, and could strike up a conversation with anyone that he met.
He is survived by his sons, Todd A. Hocking and Trevor K. Hocking, both of Springfield; granddaughter, Ashley Faye Hocking of Springfield; sister, Norma Jean (P.K.) Johnson of Newport, NC; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou (Robert Smith) Seymour-Smith of Jacksonville, Linda Hocking of Raymond and Karma Braley Seymour of Pisgah; brother-in-law, Carl Richards of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife of 62 years, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Eloise Baker, who helped raise him; sister, Elizabeth “Sis” Richards; and brothers, James, Milton, Robert and Lewis “Dee” Hocking.
Memorials may be made to the Franklin Cemetery Association, the Kumler United Food Pantry or the ALS Foundation.
Online condolences may be left at www.dignitymemorial.com.
