Wilbur Eugene Hockensmith, 91, of Mansfield, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 1:45 pm after a short illness, dementia Alzheimer’s.
He was born in a house on Grimes Road in Olivesburg, Ohio on July 24, 1932 to Orval and Martha Hockensmith. He lived most of his life in Mansfield. He was proud of the 5K for Jerry’s Kids Race, he ran and came in 3rd place. He was a hard worker, in earlier years, he had a milk route working 10-12 hours a day. He worked for Smith’s Dairy, Sealtest, Royal Erest, Lily Farm, Ashland Dairy, and Meadow Brook. He retired in 1994 from Ashland University security after 23 years.
He was a Christian man, loved the Lord Jesus, and prayed for his family. Always speaking his mind, you could count on him for advice. He was a good listener, always concerned for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He attended Mansfield Baptist Temple in earlier years which he loved Pastor Adkins, Folger, and Pastor Kurtz and family. He loved his dogs, Blackie, Dash, and Pepper and his cats, Miss Kitty, Mittens, Fluffy, Red and Butter Ball. He loved to exercise and jogged over 22,000 miles from 1968-1999.
Heaven gained another angel today. Dad will never be forgotten, and it is hard to say good-bye. He will be greatly missed, till we see you on the other side. He has this saying on the wall, “God grant me the serenity to change the things I can, and accept the things I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
He is survived by his children, Melinda Wilfong of Mansfield, Allen Hockensmith of Mansfield, and Susan (Dave) Reynolds of Calhan, Colorado; grandchildren, Tanya (Tim) Justice, Matt (Angela) Wilfong, both of Mansfield, Curtis (Nicole) Reynolds, Jessica Reynolds (Steve Vigil), Travis (Samantha) Reynolds, and Joe (Taylor) Reynolds all of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Joshua (Kate Lynn) Wilfong, Tiffany (Jeff) Edwards Jr., Jennie Martin, Elizabeth Rose, Breonna (Sean) Bently, Angel Zornes (Hunter) Morrow, Alaya Wilfong, Haylae Wilfong, Casey Dunnan, Shelby Reynolds, Connor Reynolds, Matthew Vigil, Emerson Reynolds, Easten Reynolds, and Rylee Reynolds; great-great-grandchildren, Serenity Edwards, Bently Edwards, Clayton Bently, Lillian Bently, Nolan Morrow, Ayala Dunnan, Dallas Reynolds, Mara Wilfong, and Baby to be Rai Lynn Wilfong; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Jennie Mae Smith Hockensmith; his second wife of 10 years, Loretta Jordan Hockensmith; son-in-law, Larry Wilfong; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert and Helen Geiger, Don and Faye Smith; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wallace and Gertrude Smith.
Friends and family will be received from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm conducted by Pastor Robert Kurtz on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond Street. Funeral service will begin immediately at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Wilbur will be laid to rest in Shenandoah Cemetery.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield
Website: www.wappner.com