William Leroy Hosch

Mr. Hosch was a veteran of World War II and was stationed in Europe during the war. He was an accomplished welder/welder foreman and worked for many years at Levingston Shipbuilding Company in Orange, Texas. During the 1960s, his work with El Paso Energy allowed him to work in Singapore. Mr. Hosch loved the Lord, the Lord’s work, the preaching of God’s Word, singing and worship. He was instrumental in building several churches during his lifetime. Leroy was affectionately known as “Paw Paw Hosch” and loved spending time with his family. He loved the outdoors, sports, working in his vegetable garden, fishing and shrimping.

Survivors include two daughters, Cheryl Martin and husband, Edward, and Brenda Merchant and husband, Jerry, all of Vinton; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Walter and Jewel (Fuller) Hosch; wives Lottie (Reed) Hosch and Virginia (Oney) Hosch; daughter, Karen Hosch Wilfer; two brothers, Clarence and Clifford Hosch; and two sisters, Dorothy Hosch Johnson and Marjorie Hosch Gilley; and great-grandchild, (Little) Ronnie Wilfer.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at First United Pentecostal Church, 3406 Edgar Brown Drive in Orange, Texas. The Rev. Gary Wheeler will officiate. Pallbearers will be Edward Martin, Jerry Merchant, Steven Wright, Kevin Merchant, Jamie Merchant and Chase Doucet. Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Finley and Dylan Todd. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Vinton under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the church. The family would like to express their appreciation to his pastor, the Rev. Gary Wheeler, and his church family including Mollie Willis, who provided CDs and DVDs when he became unable to attend church. Thanks also to Julie, Michelle and Mindy of Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles for the compassionate care and support they provided.