John Henry Hockenbury III

On April 8th, 2018 after a lengthy medical struggle, John Henry Hockenbury III finally quit fighting and has achieved peace.  He was born to John Henry Jr. and Herma Thelma Stadler Hockenbury on May 23, 1945 in Glen Gardener, New Jersey.  He lived in the area until he joined the marine Corp.

Later he lived in Denver and Oklahoma.  He has 2 sons with his wife, Kathleen.  After they divorced the dream was Montana.  In 1976 he married Mary Ann Wood from Stevensville. 

He was honored to serve his country in the Marine Corp and later, in the Special Forces. 

John started in the upholstery business as a child and was a true artist at his trade.

For fun, John enjoyed farming, fishing and hunting.  He also loved dancing, boxing and motorcycles.

John and Mary Ann were together through thick and thin till the end.  He taught Mary Ann so much for which she will forever be grateful.  He had deep compassion and a listening ear for anyone who wanted to talk.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; two sons in the Portland, OR area, John and William Robert; sister, Beverly (Howard) VanDyke; sister-in-laws Sharon Hockenbury, 3 wonderful nephews and a super special niece Debi (Will) Austin, all in Oklahoma.  A sister-in-law Pat Payne and 2 nieces in the Chicago area.  There are also four great grandchildren in Indiana.

The family would like to thank all the amazing people at the VA, St. Pats, Marcus Daly, hospice and Dr. Smith at Bitterroot clinic.  Another big “Thank You” to Cooper Firearms for their patience and understanding.  John loved the China Buffet in Missoula.  There will be a get together there to eat and enjoy stories.  The date will be announced.  Also, we’ll celebrate his life at the Special Forces reunion this summer.

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