Danny Virgil Hocker Sr., 74, of Owensboro, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, under the compassionate care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. He was born on January 27, 1951, in Rockport, Kentucky, and was the beloved son of the late Virgil Paul Hocker and Lennie “Eloise” Oglesby-Hocker.
Danny began his career at the age of 18 at Birnie Oil Tool, where he discovered the trade he truly loved. When the company was sold, Danny took a leap of faith and founded his own business, Hocker Machine Shop, in 1994. He poured his heart into the shop and took great pride in the work he did and the relationships he built over the years. Danny’s greatest joys were his family, his friends, and the time he spent with them. He was also a devoted member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church, where his faith played an important role in his life.
In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his siblings, Faye Vandiver, Sheila Beyke, David Hocker, and Keith Hocker; great granddaughters, Bella Rose Hocker and Violet Dawn Hocker; and stepdad, Paul Hicks.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Hocker; children, Danny Hocker, Jr. (Shannon) and Shelly Austin (James); siblings, Roger Carter (Ann), Tammy London (Jeff), and Kelly Baugh (Jerry); grandchildren, Gage Hocker (Kelsey), Haleigh Tapp, Brieona Hocker, Alexander Austin, and Gabriella Austin; great-grandchildren, Harlie Hocker, Lincoln Hocker, Reid Hocker, Ziggy Tapp, and Weston Hocker; as well as many other loving family and friends.
The Hocker family extends a heartfelt thank you to Brother James Wedding and the hospice nurses for their kindness and care during this difficult time.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.