Edwin Layne Hockman

Edwin Layne Hockman, known to many as "Hawkeye," passed away on April 18, 2026, at the age of 72, at his home in Peoria, Arizona, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Born on January 22, 1954, in Yuma, Arizona, Ed lived a full and meaningful life defined by hard work, family, and a quiet love for the outdoors.

Ed served his country proudly in the United States Army during the 1970's, and that sense of duty and discipline carried with him throughout the rest of his life.  After his military service, he found his calling behind the wheel as a truck driver, a career that would span decades.  Ed drove long haul routes and later hauled sand and gravel locally for a couple of valley companies.  He was a skilled and dedicated professional, earning several driving awards for safety and years of service.  More than that, he was a leader on the road, guiding many a truck driver through the ports in Long Beach, California and navigating the busy California freeways with a confidence that put others at ease.  Ed was knowledgeable about most everything, and he was never shy about sharing what he knew.  He was, as his family would lovingly say, quite the know-it-all, and the people around him were better for it.

Ed retired in 2021 and embraced the slower pace of life with open arms.  He cherished time spent with his family, especially the yearly camping trips to Lake of the Woods in Lakeside, Arizona, a cabin and fishing resort that held a special pace in his heart.  There, he could do what he loved most: fish, relax, and watch the wildlife.  When he wasn't out on the water, you could often find him settled in, watching college football with the kind of passion only a true fan can muster.

Ed was married for 36 wonderful years to the love of his life, Valorie Whitlatch Hockman, who survives him.  He was a proud dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa.  He is survived by his wife, Valorie; his sons, Ronny Hockman, Gregg Hockman, and Luis Lorenzana Jr.; his daughter, Ashely Regian; his 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his nephew, Bobby Hockman.  Ed was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Hockman; his mother, Geraldine Hockman; his brother, Robert Hockman; and his sister, Jayne Hockman.

Ed lived simply, loved deeply, and worked hard every single day.  He leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and laughter that his family will carry with them always.  May he find peace and rest in God's loving hands.

A limb has fallen from the family tree that says, "Grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong."