Thomas Hoch

The hardest working man we know is giving the gates of heaven a fresh coat of paint this week. Tom was born on July 13, 1931 to Asalyne and William Hoch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He went to Northeast High School. After high school, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the service he went to the Kansas City Art Institute where he earned a degree in Interior Design. While in Kansas City he met his wife Joanne, to whom he was married 61 years. Tom and Joanne founded Tom Hoch Interior Designs in 1963. Tom designed many Oklahoma City institutions including Across the Street, Hungry Peddler, JB Nimbles, Pistachio's and numerous other restaurants for Val Gene's. His success earned him other prominent design assignments for hotels and country clubs across the nation. Noteworthy among those were Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, Michigan and numerous clubhouses for Landmark Land Co. including Oak Tree Country Club. Tom was a unique and wonderful treasure. He loved to laugh and celebrate with large family gatherings. Everyone wanted to see what he created for Halloween and ride in his antique car in the 4th of July parade. Whether a broken frame or a broken heart, he could fix anything in his inimitable way. He always maintained his youthful and playful outlook as evidenced by his antique toy collection which was, at one time, the largest in the world. Kindness and goodness were his calling cards. He was a faithful servant of God and mankind. The world was good to Tom and Tom was good to the world. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for so wonderful a husband, dad and friend. We would like to fondly and humbly thank the nurses and staff of the Echo Unit at the Norman VA and Valir Hospice for their loving care for Tom these past two years. You are angels, every single one of you. He is survived by his wife Joanne; daughter Liz; sons Tom and wife Sandra, Tim and wife Mary and Will and wife Rita; grandsons Luke, Ian, Henry, Chris, Stephen, William and Joe; granddaughters Sophie, Hallie and Audrey. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 6601 Broadway Extension, Suite 120, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.