Thomas R. Hockett Sr.

Mr. Thomas Richard Hockett, Sr. of Ashley, IL, departed this life at his residence on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 9:04 A.M. He had attained the age of 72 years, 8 months and 17 days.

Mr. Hockett was born on February 4, 1953, in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Jack Lee and Phyllis Jeane (Pierson) Hockett. He was united in marriage to Deborah Gaeschel on July 9, 1971, and she preceded him in death on March 3, 2021.

Thomas was a mechanic for many years and would still love to help diagnose vehicle problems when people would explain what was going wrong. He enjoyed the outdoors and going to the shooting range with his wife and cherished his time with his grandkids and great grandkids. He loved taking car rides with his daughter and giving short cut directions that would extend the car rides for hours out and still swore it was a "shortcut". He had a passion for reading about all historic and family tree related texts and emails and would explain all the details in his own way. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Left to mourn his passing are his 2 children, Thomas Hockett, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Mt. Vernon, IL and Valerie Lamczyk and husband Micheal of Ashley, IL; 5 grandchildren, Shawn Hockett, Christopher Rybacki, KaeLynn (Drew Dalman) Lamczyk, Kane (Hannah) Lamczyk, and Kyle (Brittnie) Lamczyk,; great grandchildren, Brayden, Scarlett, Charlotte, Olivia, and Carter; siblings, David (Janet) Hockett of Litchfield, IL, Jack Hockett of Tacoma, WA, Jody (Mike Churchill) Dietrich of Fairview Heights, IL and Jeane (Bill) Bland of Jerseyville, IL; sister-in-law, Rhonda Planitz of Collinsville, IL brother-in-law, Bill Hair; numerous nieces and nephews, other relations and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Kelly Hockett, Andrew Hockett; sister, Donna Hair and brother-in-law, Jerry Planitz.

Per the wishes of Thomas and his family, cremation will be performed, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the ALS Association and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home, who is assisting the family with arrangements.

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