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Hotchko, Thomas Michael

July 15, 1938 –
 September 14, 2020

Obituary

Thomas Michael Hotchko, a man of few words but had a plethora of clever one liners and a closet full of golf shirts, passed away peacefully the morning of September 14, 2020 in Dallas, TX.  Born in Zainesville, Ohio on July 15, 1938, Tommy met the love of his life, Marydell (née Scott), of almost 50 years. She hooked him in by making him let her drive home on their first blind date despite not having a license. Three years and and two girls, Cheryle and Beth, later, the four of them packed up the family car and drove Route 66 to live the American dream in Los Angeles. After 10 years of planting firm roots, they opened up their home to foster children. They failed, and adopted their only son, Andre. Not long after his adoption, another girl, Crystal, was added to the family. And the rest is history.
 
Tom excelled at many hobbies including coaching women’s softball, photography, ham radio (N6JAD), model trains and astronomy, but achieved a black belt in watching TV in his recliner.  Tom was also active in his church community.
 
Tom outlived two wives. Marydell passed away in 2006, and two years later he married Mary Jo Bush. They had a very happy life until her passing in 2015. Tom remained close with her children. 
 
Tom leaves behind 4 children, whom he often referred to as 1, 2, 3, and 4. Cheryle Stewart of Shasta Lake City, CA; Beth Hotchko, and wife Sandy Potter, of Dallas, TX; Andre Hotchko, and wife Zoe, of Los Angeles, CA; Crystal Hotchko Stewart of Los Angeles, CA along with granddaughter Madison Hotchko (Beth) and grandson Aiden Hotchko (Andre).  
 
Tom was stubbornly strong, a trait he passed on to his children.  Cancer was the only thing that defeated him. We ask any donations be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. 
 
Memorial services will be held in both Dallas and Los Angeles. Details for both still to be determined. If you are interested in attending a service, please email tomhotchkodallasmemorial@gmail.com or tomhotchkolamemorial@gmail.com, and we will keep you updated.

    The Kadner Fakily
    22 Sep 2020
    11:30am

    Sending all our love and deepest condolences during this time of loss and sadness. May his memory forever be a blessing.

    Tony Brown
    22 Sep 2020
    6:30pm

    Hugs and love to you Beth in this difficult time. Your father was an amazing man and Dad, and this was a wonderful remembrance. Our live and prayers to you, Sandy, Madison, and entire family.

    Judy and pat
    22 Sep 2020
    9:20pm

    We love you Tom and have for 40 years. We’ll keep an eye on your kids, since they are very specially to us. Say hello to MaryDell for us.

    Kim Brunson
    27 Sep 2020
    7:37am

    Tom and I became instant friends as soon as we met at Hillcrest Baptist in Cedar Hill, Tx. Tom and Mary Dell were both very special to me. May God give you comfort and grace now and in the days ahead,

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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
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The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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