David John Hokanson

David John Hokanson, son of the late Harold E. Hokanson and Marion (McKelvie) Hokanson, was born July 18, 1943 in St. Robert, Missouri. He entered into the presence of Jesus on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 having attained the age of 79 years. As a young boy, David grew up in the Waynesville area where he attended school and graduated from the Waynesville High School with the Class of 1961. As a young boy, David made a profession of faith and as he entered into early adulthood, he answered the call to preach the Gospel and was ordained. He served as pastor of the Burnett Christian Church of Dixon, Missouri for several years before retiring from the church. David and Connie have been members of Burnett Christian Church for over 52 years. David has always been a hardworking man. In high school he worked at John & Dean’s Texaco in St. Robert and after graduating from high school he began working as a civil service employee on Fort Leonard Wood. He was employed as a computer programmer at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital and served for over 35 years before retiring. After retiring as a civil service employee, David began working for the Laquey School District as their IT Specialist for over 20 years before retiring. On September 21, 1968 in Crocker, Missouri, David was united in marriage to the love of his life, Connie Singleton. They shared over 54 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Mark, Diana, and Debby. In his spare time, David served as a Little League coach for Laquey for several years, served as the Laquey Lions Club president for many years, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and was the coordinator for the Christmas Parade/Craft Bazaar in Laquey where his “walking taco” became famous in the community. David loved his family tremendously and immensely enjoyed getting to go to all his grandkids sporting events or just sitting and visiting with them. David also enjoyed being outdoors working in the garden or on occasion in his earlier years, he would go fishing. For a few years, he also had some bird dogs for hunting. He also loved gospel singing and especially enjoyed going to Silver Dollar City during the Southern Gospel Picnic to see some of his favorite groups. David was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and watched every game that he was able to and even attended a few in his lifetime. He also had a fascination with old cars and enjoyed going to local car shows to see the different cars that were entered. David will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Connie Hokanson of the home; three children: Mark Hokanson (Kim) of Springport, IN, Diana Howser (Tom) of Waynesville, MO, and Debby Bahr (Adam) of O’Fallon, MO; six grandchildren: Zane, Ethan, Wade, Chelsey, Makena, and Kaylee; one great grandchild: Blake; one sister: Ruth Hokanson of Dixon, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by one brother: Paul Hokanson; and one son-in-law: Randy Howser. Even though he is gone from our sight, David’s servant’s heart and his love for God and family will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2023 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Rev. Bill Dudley officiating. The obituary was read by Pastor Danny Bassett. Pianist Joyce Fers accompanied Mike Bassett as he sang "Because He Lives" and "Sheltered in the Arms of God". The song "Welcome to Heaven My Child" by Triumphant Quartet was also played. Serving as escorts were Steve Moore, Chad Strain, Scott Noakes, Ronnie Bowling, Rod Rodriguez, and Travis Yoakum. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of David Hokanson and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

David John Hokanson

July 18, 1943 - February 28, 2023