Donald K. Hoke

Donald K. Hoke, 88, passed away December 18, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Hoke, his mother, Irene Rebman, his son, Dennis K. Hoke, and his stepfather, Clarence Rebman. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Beverly Hoke, daughter Pamela (Donald) Smalley, son, Jeffrey (Connie) Hoke, grandson Travis (Erica) Smalley, grandson Bradley (Brittany) Hoke, great-grandchildren, Tommy Smalley, Kayla Smalley, Layla Hoke, Ysabelle Hoke, and Cole Hoke. Also surviving are brother Harold (Denise) Rebman, sister Connie Kelly, and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He served in the U.S. Air Force four years during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan for over two and a half years. One year out of the Air Force he married Beverly. He then graduated from the Curry School of Aeronautics. He worked for a small airport repairing small planes for one year and then joined Ozark Airlines in St. Louis, MO. He progressed quickly and joined management within a few years. He engineered a needed change on a Boeing aircraft Ozark was flying. Boeing accepted the change and incorporated it into future aircraft. In 1985 Ozark Airlines was acquired by Trans World Airlines. He retired after thirty-two years with the combined airlines as Manager of Aircraft Base Maintenance. He was immediately in demand after retirement as a consultant by various airlines and worked in that capacity until his wife retired.

They owned a home at Lake of the Ozarks for over twenty years. Summers were enjoyed there with family and friends, boating and fishing.

He with his wife and family were very involved with sports, including softball, bowling, archery, and golf. He was President of the St. Louis Bowhunters for three years and served in other board positions throughout the years. He was also a Missouri State Archery Champion. Golf was a big part of his life and he taught his wife, grandsons, and great-grandchildren to play. His two grandsons were on their high school golf teams. Two great-grandchildren belong to First Tee.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling and went on many vacations with family and friends in the states. They also traveled to several foreign countries and enjoyed them all.

He and his wife wintered in Ft. Myers, FL for twenty-three years. They lived at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club for twenty of those years. He was a member of the men’s league and he and his wife enjoyed playing golf several times a week. He enjoyed playing golf with the many friends who wintered there from many states and England. They sold their Veranda home in 2019 and moved permanently to their villa in Bear Creek Estates which is also a golfing community.

He was a fantastic man as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

No services will be held at this time due to the COVID pandemic. A remembrance will be held at a much later date when all dangers are over.

Contributions may be made in his honor to the St. Charles Salvation Army or the St. Louis Food Bank.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Baue Funeral Homes does require all family members and guests to wear a mask while visiting our facilities. Social distancing is required, and guests should stay at least 6 feet apart. Thank you for your understanding.