Charles Michael Hoch

October 5, 1947 - April 14, 2025

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

5:00 PM

GARDEN CITY COMMUNITY CENTER

Charles Michael Hoch, 77, of Garden City, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00 PM, Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Garden City Community Center.

Born October 5, 1947, in Houston County, Texas to parents Forest and Blanch Hoch, Michael moved to Garden City prior to the start of his freshman year of high school. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1966 as Valedictorian and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Soil Science from Texas A&M University. A devoted Aggie, Class of 1970, Michael cherished his years in College Station and carried that maroon pride throughout his life.

After college and training for the National Guard, Michael returned home to Garden City to begin a long and fulfilling career in farming, working the land he loved until his retirement in 2023. In addition to farming, Michael served his community as a Glasscock County Commissioner for 32 years, a volunteer firefighter, and a long-time member of the Lions Club. He also played a key role in the development of the Glasscock County Community Center and the Glasscock County Courthouse Annex, and was instrumental in bringing a water system to Garden City, where he faithfully served as the water system manager for many years.

Michael was a man of simple, steadfast joys — five things he loved above all: God, his family and close friends, his Texas A&M Aggies, farming, and singing. He could often be found spending time with family at the lake, working in the fields, or singing a tune about just about anything. His daughters fondly remember trying — and failing — to stump him with a topic he didn’t have a song for.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Melissa Hoch of Garden City; his daughters Amy Niehues (Greg) of Garden City, Michelle Harper (Greg) of San Marcos, and Jessica Brown (Zach) of Blacksburg, Virginia; and his cherished grandchildren, Collin Niehues, Bryce Harper, and Fitz Brown. He is also survived by son, Casey Hoch and daughter Paige Fisher along with grandchildren, Ava and Carson Hoch and Cash, Paisley, and Saige Flippen. Michael is also survived by brother Buzz (Betty) Hoch of Mineola, TX.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers.

Michael’s faith, kindness, and unforgettable voice will be remembered by all who knew him.

A private family celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Garden City Lions Club (PO Box 299, Garden City, TX 79739 or through a designated fund at the Glasscock County branch of the Sterling City Bank) in his honor.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

5:00 PM

GARDEN CITY COMMUNITY CENTER

See Condolences

Melissa, I’m so sorry to learn of Michael’s passing. Please, tell your girls I’m sorry. Take care of yourself, and call me if you’re going to Oak Creek. I’ll come see you. Love you bunches! Please, take care of yourself.

Casey & Paige, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you both.

I knew Michael from the time that we were children growing up in the deep East Texas town of Grapeland. Michael and I were good friends, and our friendship endured until he and his family moved to Garden City out in West Texas. I remember how sad we all were that Michael and his family were moving to Garden City, because in the small town of Grapeland we had developed a close friendship bond and were sad to see our good buddy Michael and his family leaving and going to West Texas. What I remember about Michael as much as the fact that he was a good guy, he was also a good friend. He was also very intelligent and a good athlete. We were pretty good friends all those early years until his move to Garden City, and I know that he made a wonderful father and grandfather, friend and public servant to all of those who were living in Garden City. I did not see Michael much after he left Grapeland, but always remembered him and what a wonderful, smart and athletic guy he was. One day a few years ago, I was pleasantly surprised when Michael, while driving through Granbury, came to my chambers in the district court to see me. We had a great visit reminiscing about our youth together in Grapeland. God bless Melissa and all of his family members. I wish for you all many, many happy and wonderful memories of Michael. I am attaching some photos of some of Michael’s friends. We were at a birthday party.
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I first met Michael when I was in 1st grade at Grapeland Elementary School. He was a grade ahead of me, and I remember how he caught everyone’s attention. He was so handsome, and so nice and friendly. Such a winning smile and laugh with a beautiful deep voice. He and I might have even ‘liked’ each other for a few months back then (that’s what we USED to call it). Michael was best friends with several other cute guys, one of whom I married. (Ralph Walton) There are so many memories of our youth – playing on the playground, sports, etc. Michael excelled at so much. When Michael and his family moved, it was so sad to all who knew and loved him. He took some of the light out of Grapeland, and we missed his presence. Over the years, after he moved away, we still managed to keep in touch. When Ralph and I were at Baylor, he came to visit us, and we had lunch and reminisced. It was like he had never left; we just picked right up again. A year or so ago, I got a voicemail from Michael saying he was here in Granbury. I tried to call him back to no avail. That makes me sad to know we missed him. I am so sorry for his family, who has lost a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather and perfect gentleman. Rest in Peace, Michael. We’ll see you again, I know. Patsy Walton

One of the finest man i ever had a privilege to know. Praying for the family

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Hoch Boy, you're going to be missed. Friends at grade school, the Methodist Church, and later in life at Texas A & M and throughout our life. It was always good to see you come back to Grapeland for reunions and such and to see your Uncle Troy. I wish we could have spent more time together. You went home with me for Sunday dinner when we were kids and I went to your house other Sundays. I always considered you one of my closest friends. My sincerest condolences to Melissa and all your family. May they take solace in the sweet memories, as i will. Goodbye old friend. I miss you already. P & M

We are truly sorry for you and your families loss! Michael was always a joy to be around and will be missed dearly.

Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Charles Hoch by Carey & Renee Niehues. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Charles Hoch

Mr Hoch as I always called you my friend. I will greatly miss you!! RIP my friend.

I have many fond memories of Michael and Melissa. I absolutely treasured him as a good friend who always gave me a laugh and an honest word of encouragement. To Melissa and the family my heart goes out to all of your dad was a one of kind something you already knew. RIP my friend!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.