Merlin "Mert" E. Hoke

March 10, 1939 - September 6, 2017

A heart of gold stopped beating, two willing hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best….On Wednesday, September 6, 2017 Merlin E. Hoke, 78, of Nichols, passed away peacefully with his family at his side. Mert, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends was born on March 10, 1939 in Endicott, a son of the late Stella M. (Doolittle) and Donald E. Hoke, Sr. A wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Merlin loved to work ~ he was a long time employee of General Electric and retired from the Town of Owego Highway Department following nineteen years of service. He enjoyed visiting and sharing conversation with friends, fishing, hunting, spending time outdoors cutting wood ~ although his greatest pleasure was found being at home with this family. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years Carol G. Hoke; his sons and daughters-in-law: George C. and Leslie E. Hoke; Timothy J. and Amy L. Hoke all of Nichols; a brother Donald E. Hoke of Nichols; his special grandchildren: Shaun and Emily Hoke of Binghamton; Brittany and Colin Mayner of OK; Whitney and Taylor Saulsbury of Owego; Nathan J. Hoke of Nichols. His great grandchildren: Jayce Saulsbury, Leighton A. Hoke, Isaac R. Mayner, Dallas C. Mayner. Abiding with his wishes, there will be no services. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guest book at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Nichols Emergency Squad, PO Box 334, Nichols, NY 13812 or the Guthrie Cancer Center, One Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840 in loving memory of Merlin E. Hoke. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses on 5th Main and the Oncology Department for the special love and care they gave us.