Milton L Bockelman Jr.

Milton L. Bockelman Jr., 71, of Fowler passed away peacefully at 6:58 PM Tuesday Feb. 16, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. He was born July 11, 1944 in Warren, the son of the late Milton L. and Anna May (Loy) Bockelman. Milt retired from General Motors Lordstown in 1999 after 31 years of service. He worked in the paint Dept. in the van plant and also was in supervision. After retirement he worked for Bockelmans Landscaping as a supervisor. A lifetime Warren resident until moving to Fowler 10 years ago, Milt was active with youth baseball at Perkins Park and was president of the gadget ball league. He took pride in organizing the Butler road Block Party, Christmas Luminaries, and served on the Warren City Organization committee for the Butler Road sewer project. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1962 to 1966 and then in the Reserves for 2 years.He received the National Defense Service medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He formerly was a member of UAW 1112, Knights of Columbus Council 4484 and a member of Degree team, and is a former social member of the Mecca Moose Lodge. Milt loved to share his knowledge with people and he enjoyed woodworking, playing cards with family and friends, and camping. For 5 years after retirement, he and his wife traveled the country in a motor home and wintered in Biloxi, MS. He was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Roberts Catholic Church. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by his wife Charlotte (Benny) whom he married Feb. 4, 1967. They were the first catholic couple married in the evening at Christ our King Church by Fr. Coleman. He also leaves 3 sons Mark (Sheri ) of Fowler, David (Ashlee) of Hertford, NC, Paul (Kristen) of Broadview Heights, OH, 10 grandchildren, Rachel, Leah, Ashton, Kaden, Alyssa, Vincent, Haven, Sara, Lauren, Kaitlyn, and 4 great grandchildren. Milt is also survived by a brother Jerry of Warren and a sister Janet"Dolly" (Bill) Woodley of Southington. He was preceded in death by a brother Harold "Sonny", by a sister Irene Bockelman Duncan, and by his beloved German shepherd Storm. Funeral services will be 12 PM Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at Roberts Clark Chapel where friends will be received from 5-8 PM Friday and for 1 hour prior to the service. The Rev Carl Kish will officiate. The family suggests material contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley or to St. Roberts Catholic Church. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Khaterpaul Dr. Mahjoub and Dr.Chahine and their staffs, the nurses on the 6th floor and ICU at St Josephs Health Center and to Sister Mary Ann, Sister Darla, and Sister Elaine.