Orval Wayne Hockensmith, better known to family and friends simply as Wayne, passed away at his home on the afternoon of January 22, 2026. Wayne was 94. An Air Force veteran, he was born on November 11, 1931.

He is the son of the late Ira A. and Daisy E. (McMullin) Hockensmith and the loving husband of the late Betty Lou (Spahr) Hockensmith. Wayne had seven brothers and two sisters, all of which preceded him in death.

Wayne is survived by his four children: Joel W. (Susan) Hockensmith of Charlottesville Va, Terry A. (John) Lopp of Newville, Shane W. (Kelley) Hockensmith of Charlotte NC, and Ryan L. (Patti) Hockensmith of Poland OH. He was the proud grandfather of: Sarah, Adam, and Daniel; Isaac, Rachel and Hannah; Corbin; and Jacob and Philip. He had twelve great grandchildren. Wayne also leaves behind Mitzy, his loving canine friend.

Wayne grew up on a farm just north of Newville on Route 233. He attended Newville High School. He entered service in the United States Air Force in 1951 during the Korean war while he was enrolled at Central Penn Business College. During his first year in the Air Force, he was stationed at: Lackland AFB, TX; Brooks AFB, TX; Kessler AFB, MS; and Kilmer AFB, NJ. He finally received his permanent orders and was stationed at Chicksands AFB in England where he was a Radio Operator for three years.

Wayne was able to receive furlough in the late summer of 1953. He flew home and his life changed for the better as he married his longtime girlfriend, Betty Lou Spahr.

After a memorable tour in the Air Force, Wayne returned to the states with his wife and their first-born baby boy in 1954. He held several jobs before deciding on a career as a barber. He worked in Philadelphia and in Harrisburg before returning to Newville in 1960. Wayne was a barber for more than 60 years in Newville. He had a wonderful gift of conversation, and he loved listening to his many friends and clientele. There were many stories, both true and, in some sense, mythical, that were born and raised in his shop on West Street. No doubt some of these materialized after he took a second job as a Certified Fish Culturalist for the PA Fish Commission. After 18 years, he retired from the Huntsdale Fish Hatchery.

Following their return to his hometown of Newville, Wayne really spread his wings. It was in Newville where Wayne and Betty raised their family. He was a member of The First Church of God where he taught Sunday School, was the Sunday School Superintendent, and member and President of the Church Council. Wayne also enjoyed membership in the Mifflin Athletic Association, American Legion and Odd Fellows.

Wayne had a profound love for the outdoors. He bought a farm in Newburg in 1963 and enjoyed working there as often as he could squeeze a few minutes out of his busy schedule. He greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Wayne served on the Cumberland County Conservation District Board in the 80’s and 90’s. In 1994, after many years of farm and forestry management, Wayne was recognized for his dedicated efforts by receiving the M.K. Goddard Outstanding Forest Management Award.

During retirement, Wayne always looked forward to the excursions that Betty would so meticulously plan. Together, they made a return to England where they visited their longtime friends Peggy and Phil Sells, as well as touring Europe. They traveled to Nova Scotia, Alaska, and checked a bucket list item when they were able to vacation in South America, and in particular, Machu Picchu and the ancient ruins in Peru and nearby Galapagos islands.

This is such a short summary of Wayne’s long and wonderful life. Please join his family for a luncheon and reception after a public service which will be held at First Church of God in Newville, PA on Friday, Jan 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Military honors with Color Guard will be held immediately following the service. A private family interment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that all donations be made to Newville First Church of God.