Earl Richard (Rich) Hockett was born December 7, 1923, in Branson, Colorado, to Earl Richard Hockett Sr. and Stella Weeks Hockett. He grew up hunting and fishing and learning how to be a man in the Canyon Land of southeast Colorado.

Rich joined Navy in 1944 and served as a 20mm gunner on a Merchant Marine ship delivering supplies to the Philippines. His ship was part of a 500-ship convoy traveling to the South Pacific in World War II.  After his discharge, he worked for Diamond A Cattle Company around the Trinidad area.  His hobbies included hunting and fishing and flying airplanes.

He later married Ruby Rose Hart and to this union were born three children: Alden (Russ) Russell Hockett, Wayne Richard Hockett and Janett Rose Hockett (Bonnell).

He later married Merle Maxine Baker and lived in Eads. Maxine had four children from a previous marriage: Karen Gifford, Marilyn Quinn, Kenny Baker, Lee Baker.  Rich and Maxine had great fun together as they enjoyed outdoor activities.  They shared a love of flying, as Maxine was a pilot also.

He married Pam Addington October 15, 2006, and lived in Eads until moving to Farmington, New Mexico in 2015.  Pam had four children from a previous marriage: Gary Hendricks, Pamela Hendricks (Green), Terri Hendricks (Pettyjohn) and David Hendricks.

Rich worked at Colorado Interstate Gas Company for 35 years and, after retirement, started his own construction company.  Rich had a can-do approach to life and problems, and was always willing to help anyone in need, many times going unpaid and doing as unto the Lord and not for the praise of men.

Rich was a dedicated Christian and prayer warrior, and knew how to reach the Throne of Grace for those who needed it. In his later years, when mobility was an issue, he devoted much of his time to prayer for others. He relocated to northwest New Mexico in his final years.  

Rich entered into eternity with his Savior Jesus Christ and received his eternal reward June 24, 2023

He is survived by his wife, Pam Hockett; children, Russ (MaryAnn) Hockett, Wayne (Shirl) Hockett, Janett (John) Bonell; and numerous grandchildren and great children. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters, a granddaughter, and a grandson.

Service will be held July 24, 2023, at Praise Community Church at 10:00 a.m. Pastors Lee Brown and Keith Corley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations are respectfully requested in honor if Rich at Weisbrod Memorial Nursing Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.