JR Hogg

(November 25, 1941 — October 25, 2025)

Junior “JR” Hogg, 83, a long-time resident of Desdemona, Texas, passed from this life on October 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Junior was born on November 25, 1941, in Gorman, Texas, to Ulmer Hogg and Renia Pilgrim Hogg.

Junior was raised in Desdemona on a ranch, where they farmed peanuts and raised sheep. He graduated from Desdemona High School in 1960, and then went on to work a variety of jobs, including delivering eggs, transporting turkeys, and driving a truck for Fred Parker. The majority of his working years he was employed by Dairy Farmers of America. Junior started out as a truck driver and then moved up the ladder, becoming transportation manager. After 35 years of service, he decided to retire. He was most proud of his “One Million Miles” of safe driving for the company. Although Junior retired from trucking, he never slowed down.

The year after his retirement, his son Wrangler was born. The best thing that ever happened to him. With Junior’s love for motorcycles, he bought an ultra classic Harley that had a seat on the back that Wrangler could sit in securely. They went on many trips together and had a special bond like no other.

Junior raised Wrangler by himself and they both worked on the ranch together. He taught his son how to farm, mechanic and weld. There wasn’t anything Junior couldn’t fix or make. He could look at something and then go home and make it.

Junior had many hobbies throughout the years. He loved to water ski, and he could water ski barefoot! Sometimes Junior and his buddies would get up and be on the water at dawn to get a few runs in before work. At 76 years old, he made a bet with some friends of ours’ boys that he could still ski. He proved to those young men that he still had it in him!

Junior loved to elk hunt. He started in the early 70’s going to Colorado. He packed in his horses and mules and would spend a couple of weeks in the mountains living off the grid and loving every minute. He went every year up until the last 2 years. He’s a legend up there.

In 2010 Junior met the love of his life, Joni. For their first date, they met at an auction and went riding on the Harley. It really was love at first sight. They were inseparable. They took numerous trips together with Wrangler on the back of their good friend Gwen’s bike. When he was old enough, Junior bought Wrangler his own bike. What fun they had going to Sturgis, Tennessee, and Colorado. They loved going to Bandera to ride, and especially going to the “Apple Store” in Medina for some apple ice cream! They joined the SBC (Sore Butt Club) and over the past few years took trips around the state of Texas. They visited so many unique towns, learned the history, honored veterans, gave back to the communities, worshiped, and of course ate lots of pie. The friendships they made were everlasting.

Coming as a surprise to all of us, one day he told Joni she could get an inside dog, but on one condition: he got to choose what breed. He chose a miniature schnauzer, and soon enough, his sweet “Pumpkin” was part of the family.

Pumpkin was the next love of his life! He took her everywhere with him. From the coffee shop to the beauty shop, from Atwoods to the woods of Arkansas, she was there!

This past year, Junior decided to move from 2 wheels to 4. He put his bike up for sale and bought a side-by-side so that he, Joni, and Pumpkin could all ride together. And then it began, new adventures of riding trails In Arkansas with Pumpkin right by his side! (and yes, Joni and Wrangler got to go too lol) They had lots fun trips with Wrangler and his wife Courtney, and their great friends Connie and Spanky. Junior lived a wonderful life and never slowed down until the day he passed.

Junior was preceded in death by his dad Ulmer, his mom Renia, his daughter DeAnna, and his brother FD.

He is survived by his wife Joni and her kids Haley and John Avery, His son Wrangler and his wife Courtney, his brother Ricky and his wife Lexi, additional loved ones, extended family, and many friends.

We love you JR. Ride High!

Service Information

Vistation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 31, at the Stephenville Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, in the West End Cemetery in Lingleville.