Evan Hockett

Evan Martin Hockett, 79, joined the Heavenly Angel Choir on June 12, 2026. He was born on December 21, 1946, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. At the age of four, he and his younger sister were adopted by Ira and Inez Hockett of Norwich, Kansas, where he attended school and church. Following his adoption, his mother instilled in him a deep love of music. By the age of 11, Evan was playing piano and organ in church. This passion continued throughout his life and became a source of worship and praise to God, as well as a blessing to countless others. Evan attended Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he was a member of the Singing Quakers. In 1968, he married Brenda Sue Jones, and they welcomed their daughter, Amy, in 1972. Evan and Brenda later divorced in 1976. In 1982, Evan married Joyce (Putnam) Fisk. Evan and Joyce were blessed to create a blended family with daughters Amy (Hockett) and Jennifer (Fisk), and they welcomed their son, Matthew, in 1983. Together, Evan and Joyce built a loving family that eventually grew to include 62 foster children and three adopted daughters.

Evan was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Inez Hockett, and his sister, Sue Ann Fields.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Hockett, of the home; daughter Amy (Geof) Suits of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughter Jennifer (Michael) Meyer of Newton, Kansas; son Matthew (Tristian) Hockett of Newton, Kansas; daughter Angelica Hockett of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Ana Hockett of Newton, Kansas; and daughter Crystal Hockett of McPherson, Kansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alexandra (Suits) Micheaud, Allyssa Meyer, Becca Meyer, Hailey Hockett-Leal, Logan Dorrell, Emrick Hockett, Fennick Hockett, and Mateo Hockett; and by his great-grandchildren: Bella, Levi, Rory, Ellie, and Theo. 

A service celebrating Evan’s life will be held on June 18, 2026, at 10:30am at Salem United Methodist Church. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery will take place at a later date.

 Memorials may be designated to Salem United Methodist Church in care of Peterson Funeral Home.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Evan and his family.