Franklin Delano Hockett

Franklin “Frank” Delano Hockett of Saint Charles, Missouri passed away on April 27th, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and was the son of Joseph (Joe) and Jessie Spry Smith. He was the devoted husband of Anita (Wildman) Hockett (decd.) for 71 years, and father of Julie (John) Pallardy, Susan (Tim, decd.) Durnford, and Paul (Vikki) Hockett. The grandmother of Elizabeth (Gavin) Enck, Thomas Pallardy, Kathryn Durnford, Phillip (Kate) Durnford, Seth (Emile) Hockett, and Samuel (Michelle) Hockett. The great grandmother of Claire Pallardy, Ellie Pallardy, Abby Pallardy, Zachary Enck, and Issac Enck. He was preceded in death by three sisters (Florence, Jewel (“Goldie”), Patricia) and one brother (Walter). Due to his parents’ health issues, Frank became an orphan at an early age. He was separated from his siblings, when he was adopted by Erna and Lester Hockett. Frank amazingly found his birth family 65 years later including his sisters and mother.

Family love entered his life at age 14 when Raymond and Leva Cutforth of Runnells, Iowa became his foster parents. Frank graduated from Runnells High School where he discovered a lovely, tall female basketball player named Anita from the neighboring town of Mitchellville, Iowa. They eloped before Frank served in the Army during the Korea war. Following service, he entered the University of Iowa earning an Electrical Engineering (EE) degree later receiving a Masters EE degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Frank and Anita had remained strong Hawkeye University of Iowa supporters throughout their lifetimes.

In 1965, following other employments, Frank joined McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis working on the Gemini space program and the US Navy Harpoon programs. Upon retirement he worked several years at Washington University Medical Research Center as an Electronics Specialist. He also enjoyed teaching coursework in the Math Department at Lindenwood University, tutoring students whenever possible.

Frank’s love of vocal music was inspired at 1st United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls, TX. While in St. Louis he lent his tenor voice to the Bach Choral Society, Chancel Choir at First St. Charles United Methodist Church, and finally the University Chorus at Lindenwood University. He and Anita traveled extensively to six continents. Frank became an ardent fly fisherman while studying at the University of Iowa and especially enjoyed fishing the tailwaters of the West and Midwest. His flyfishing legacy and passion has been passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Donations in honor of Frank may be made to: Runnells Christian Church; 309 Brown St.; Box 30; Runnells, IA 50237.