Joseph Raymond Hecox

Joseph Hecox, 92 was born October 16, 1923 in Yakima, WA to Raymond Frederick and Laura Mary (LaBissoniere) Hecox. He attended St. Paul’s School and graduated from Marquette High School in 1941.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942. While serving as a gunnery instructor at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA, he toured an ammunition factory and saw a beautiful woman stenciling bomb casings, Mary Encinas. It was love at first sight for Dad and his love and devotion for Mom lasted for over 70 years. They were married in August 1946 in Madera, CA, and celebrated 69 years of marriage.

Dad and Mom moved back to Yakima where they had four children. Dad worked several jobs before attending trade school and becoming a sheet metal worker. He was a long time employee for Buren Sheet Metal and then finished out his work career as a sheet metal worker at Hanford. He played softball with the Catholic War Vets and coached his sons in CYO baseball. He was a life member of the VFW, Terrace Heights Grange and St. Paul’s Church. Dad and Mom enjoyed years of traveling and camping in their motorhome, especially with friends, Bud McConnell and May Johnsen.

We were so blessed to have him as our dad. He always had a smile on his face and laughter in his heart. We don’t mourn his death; we celebrate his life. We want to thank the staff at Covenant House that took loving care of Dad for the last six months.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Hecox, two sons: Bill (Pam) Hecox, Lake Tapps, WA; Ray (Nancy) Hecox of Selah, WA; two daughters: Carol (Rick) Hokanson of Chesterton, IN; Marilyn (Rick) Mason of Yakima, WA. Nine grandchildren: Patrick Hecox, Sarah Hecox, Joe (Lucy) Hecox, Matt (Chisa) Hecox, Zach Hecox, Greg (Katie) Hokanson, Mark (Katie) Hokanson, Noel Mason (Mark), and Nicole (Sean) Curtis; twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Robert (Brother Donald) Hecox, Fred Hecox, sister, Dulice Gerow and great-granddaughter, Ashley Hecox.

Viewing will be Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday June 13th at 10:00 am at St. Paul Cathedral with burial and military services at Calvary Cemetery starting at 1:00 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Yakima Valley Genealogical Society or VFW Yakima Post c/o Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

To share a memory of Joseph, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.