The Department of Michigan regrets to announce the death of its oldest member, both by age AND membership, Past Department of Michigan Commander (1949) DONALD E. HOCH. PDC Hoch joined Austin Blair Camp No. 7 in 1937 and was a Life member of the SUVCW. His membership honored his Grandfather, Samuel E. Bailey, a private in Co. H., 15th Michigan Infantry. During Camp 7’s lean years, he and PDC Thayne LaBanta kept the camp alive and both were able to see it resurrected to a very high degree of membership and activity.

Brother Hoch was born in Jackson, MI, on August 14, 1908 and died there May 21, 2006. He was buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park. He resided at 1080 Pringle Ave., Jackson, MI 49203. He is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren, a brother and a sister. His wife of 66 years and a son preceded him in death.

Brother Hoch’s life accomplishments and his dedication to our Order only add to our appreciation of the man whom we now honor at the time of his passing into eternity.