Former Salida resident Harold LeRoy Hockett, Sr., 88, of Ajo, Ariz., died April 26, 2018, at his home.
He was born Oct. 24, 1929, in Salida to Ray Floyd and Eva Ripley Hockett, the youngest of seven children.
He was raised in Salida and graduated from Salida High School in 1946.
After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Ekstrom, and together they had four children, Harold Jr., Ken, Eileen and Diane.
They were married for 41 years until her death in May 1984.
Mr. Hockett married Mary Elizabeth “Emmy” Wilson July 10, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He worked for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad for more than 40 years.
He had a passion for the railroad and continued to do volunteer work for the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, Nev., working on steam engines, for many years after retirement.
He also enjoyed spending time outdoors.
In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family.
In recent years, he loved bird watching and was an avid reader.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; daughter Eileen Hockett; son Ken Hockett; and wife Emmy.
Survivors include his son Harold Hockett, Jr.; daughter Diane Keech; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are with The Federated Church of Ajo in Ajo.
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