Max Alan Hoke

Mr. Max Alan Hoke, a cherished educator, devoted family man, and active community member, passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 73. Born April 30, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to the late JT and Helen Hoke, Max grew up with a passion for learning and a generous heart. His early years in Terre Haute coupled with fond childhood memories of family time in Minnesota laid the foundation for a life dedicated to learning and helping others.
Max’s academic journey began at Indiana State University where he became a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and English instruction. He furthered his education at Indiana State with a Master’s Degree in Education and also an Education Specialist Degree in School Superintendency. His commitment to education was evident in his extensive career which included positions as a Speech and English teacher and Speech Team Coach at North Montgomery H.S., Wainwright J.H.S., and McCutcheon H.S.
In Max’s second year at North Montgomery a new English teacher, Diana Hoke, was assigned to the classroom next to his. Two years later they married, and after four more years they were blessed with a new learning and teaching experience, the birth of their son, Jonathan. Later in his career Max also served in either assistant principal or principal positions at other central Indiana schools and was a proud member and officer of the Indiana Association of School Principals. Max’s dedication to his students and staff was unwavering, and his impact as an educator was far-reaching.
After retiring, Max was active in other roles. He shared his teaching expertise as an Adjunct Instructor in Oral Communications at Ivy Tech Community College. He also committed to his community as an active member of the First United Methodist Church in West Lafayette. He volunteered for many duties but was especially committed to the church’s backpack food program helping to ensure that local children had the nourishment they needed to succeed in school.
Retirement also allowed Max to pursue other interests and hobbies. One of his greatest passions was discovering new books to read. With experience as an avid reader and literature teacher, Max became a bookseller at the local Barnes and Nobles bookstore. He described this experience as one of the happiest memories of his life. Of equal importance was travel, another of Max’s passions, prompting him and Diana to explore at home and abroad, never forgetting to look for a bookstore in every new place they visited. A vacation to Vermont elicited over 14 bookstores, setting their record!
To complete his world, Max became a grandpa to Alex and James, giving his later years great joy watching Alex play baseball and James develop a talent for piano. When the boys visited, they always were allowed to feed Max’s treasured koi or play with his crazy dogs. Max did not want for love and happiness later in life.
Being well educated, funny, and generous were hallmarks of Max’s character. He approached life with a wit that could light up a room and a kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy is carried on by his loving family: his wife of 47 years, Diana Hoke; his son, Jonathan Hoke; daughter-in-law, Erin; and his grandsons, Alex and James Hoke. He leaves behind his sister, Rayetta Hoke, who will miss her brother’s laughter and family stories; Dee Hoke and Deanise Moore, his sisters-in-law; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Max is preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Helen Hoke, and his brother, Jim Hoke. Although his absence leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends, they find comfort in their fond memories of him.
Max Alan Hoke passed away in Lafayette, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of love, a soft spot for the importance of lifetime learning and reading, and respect for community service. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his influence will continue to be felt in the countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life for Max will be held on Saturday, May 10, at First United Methodist Church, 1700 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette, IN 47906. Visitation will be at 4:00 p.m., a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m., and a reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your choice of two education programs sponsored by Max’s church, each providing skills and additional learning opportunities in the education of less privileged children in the Greater Lafayette community:
• Klondike Kids Club, an after-school program providing one-on-one and small-group instruction. Volunteers help students at Klondike Elementary who need a boost with both classroom achievement and personal confidence. Checks may be made to FUMC with “Klondike Kids Club Hoke Memorial” written on the memo line.
• Freedom School, a transformative six-week, literacy-based summer initiative catering to students in grades K-5, offering a curriculum that celebrates diversity and promotes a love for reading and learning. Checks may be made to FUMC with “Freedom School Hoke Memorial” written on the memo line.