Ralph Wayne Hockett January 31, 1936 – December 4, 2024

Ralph Wayne Hockett, 88, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving daughters and granddaughter on December 4, 2024.

Born on January 31, 1936, in Carroll County, MO to Lester and Hallie Hockett, Ralph was the youngest of seven children. He grew up in Tina, MO and attended Tina-Avalon High School where he met the love of his life, Joan. They were married on February 18, 1956. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18, serving his country until 1962. After leaving the military, he and Joan established their home in Lee’s Summit where they raised their four children, and he led a successful career as a tool and die machinist at Calmar Plastics for 37 years. Ralph was a proud member of Lee’s Summit Elk’s Lodge and frequented the local VFW Hall.

Ralph lived a lifetime full of laughter, always quick with a joke and rarely seen without a smile on his face. He never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone. He enjoyed the outdoors by camping and golfing. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Ralph dedicated his life to taking care of those he loved and will be greatly missed by all.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Joan (Milliron); his children Debra Jo (Rick) Turney (Lee’s Summit), Linda Kay Hockett (Lee’s Summit), Mary Lou Cummins (Independence), and Mark Dean Hockett (Lee’s Summit); and his 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Visitation will be held on December 9th at 1:30 p.m., followed by a funeral at 2:30 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home (115 SW 3rd Street) and burial at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens (18301 E Salisbury Road). A reception will be held afterward at the VFW Hall in Lee’s Summit (329 SE Douglas Street).