Lifelong Bowling Green resident and local attorney, Jerome H. Hock, 86, passed away in the early morning hours of January 19, 2017. Mr. Hock, affectionately known as Romey, was born March 15, 1930 at Bowling Green, Ohio to Clarence H. Hock and Endora (Mansfield) Hock.
He is survived by his wife and companion of 35 years Ms. Anna Reed of Bowling Green, daughter Leslie Damron, sons Michael (Lynn) Hock, Curtis Hock and Jay (Aimee) Hock, step-children Sheryl (Matthew) Ramsey and Michael Reed and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons Bruce and Vince Hock.
Following graduation from Bowling Green High School in 1948, Romey attended Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo. He then served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict, being honorably discharged after three years of exemplary service.
From 1959 through 1961 Romey taught part time at Eastwood High School.
In 1958 he was awarded a Juris Doctorate degree from the Claude W. Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University. Upon his admission to the practice of law in 1959, he joined his father’s law firm which remained in existence until 2014 when, due to failing health, Romey, though retaining his law license, resigned from the active practice of law.
Throughout a professional career spanning 56 years, Romey had an expansive and successful law practice. Admired by his clients and colleagues alike, he enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for his integrity and work ethic. He was Prosecutor of the Bowling Green Municipal Court in 1969 and 1970. In 1976 Romey was appointed Acting Judge for the Bowling Green Municipal Court. The hallmark of his judicial service was common sense, absolute fairness, and good reason.
Romey was actively engaged in a variety of community and veteran’s activities; he is fondly remembered by many for his significant contributions as a youth baseball coach. Romey enjoyed spending time with his family and friends as well as traveling and golfing. He was a member of various organizations, including the Ohio State Bar Association, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Like his father before him, Romey was always willing to provide legal representation to those of lesser financial means. Regardless of stature or situation, Romey treated all he encountered with respect and dignity; he was often viewed as a friend as well as a legal adviser to his clients. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and good nature.
Funeral service will be held on Monday January 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster Street. Pastor Debbie Conklin will officiate. Interment will follow at Wingston Cemetery where the Wood County Honor Detail will render military honors. Visitation will begin Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Veterans Matter.
Former clients who wish to retrieve their files are asked to contact Attorney Tom Vogtsberger, 521 North Main Street, Bowling Green, (419) 308-1730.
