Ishpeming, MI - Ronald R. Hocking, age 90, of 809 N. Main St. Ishpeming passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.

Ronald was born in Ishpeming on June 4, 1932, a son of the late Florence (Treloar) and Raymond S. Hocking. He grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1950. He received his bachelor's degree in 1954 from Michigan Technological University; Master's in Mathematics in 1957 from the University of Michigan; and PhD in Mathematics and Statistics in 1962 from Iowa State University. During his schooling Ron also served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1956.

Ron's working career began in 1957 as a Research Engineer for the Boeing Co., then from 1958-63 as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at MTU; 1963-1971 Professor at Texas A&M; 1971-73 Professor at University of Houston; 1973-1980 Professor and Head of Statistics Dept., Mississippi State University; 1980-1994 Professor, Dept of Statistics, Texas A&M; 1994-present Retired as Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M.  Ron also did consulting work for numerous companies including many in the Oil and Gas industry.  Ron served several roles with the American Statistical Association and is referenced in numerous Mathematical and Statistical Journals. He published four statistics textbooks, and in 2003 the Ronald R. Hocking Award was established by the Statistics Department at Texas A&M.

Ron returned to Ishpeming in retirement and was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church where he had served on the Church Council and sang in the Choir. Ron enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Wawonowin Country Club where he did scorekeeping for numerous tournaments and leagues. Ron was an active member of the Ishpeming Ski Club and served as treasurer for many years. He enjoyed running and ran in 33 marathons, including the Boston Marathon twice. His record marathon time was 3:09 in the Marti Gras Marathon in New Orleans, LA.

Survivors include his wife Judy A. (Sleeman) Hocking whom he married in 2002; two daughters, Judy (Cathy McLain) Hocking of Jackson, MS; Laura (Chris) McCoy of Memphis, TN; son, Raymond Hocking of Oriental, NC; stepdaughter Kristi (Joel) Haapalainen of Harvey; stepson James (Katie) Swarthwood of Seattle, WA; granddaughter, Emma Swarthwood; brother, Roger (Jane) Hocking of Albuquerque, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Hocking.

Per Ron's wishes cremation will take place, with interment taking place in the spring at the Ishpeming Cemetery Columbarium.

Ron's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.