Raymond A. Bockelman 1923 - 2010

[WildcatOne]

This post is to celebrate the life of my father, Ray Bockelman. Dad passed away today after a brief illness.

Ramon Alexas Von Bockelmann was born in Galveston, Texas on June 25, 1923, the youngest of 5 children. His grandfather, Adolph Bockelmann, was a longtime Galveston Fire Chief. His father, A.J. Bockelmann, died suddenly when Ray was 3 years old. He had a tough upbringing, but he made the best of it. The day after Ray graduated from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and volunteered for duty in the Raider Battalion in the World War II South Pacific campaign. With his Sharpshooter credentials, he saw combat in the Phillipine Islands, Samoa and eventually returned home suffering from jungle fever. After his discharge in 1946, corporal Bockelman (he Americanized his name from Ramon Von Bockelmann to Raymond Bockelman), he married his high school sweetheart, Pansy McLendon, (Pansy had 3 sisters: Fern, Violet and Rosebud...it was a wonderful party), had 2 children, Sylvia Ann and John Richard. Instead of naming his son Raymond, Jr., Ray named John after his best friend who had been killed in World War II, Johnny Connett. He was called up from reserves to serve in Korea from 1950 till 1952, where he got frostbite after months on the front lines there. He received an honorable discharge from the Marines at the rank of Staff Segeant in 1953.

Ray went to work for Suderman & Young Towing Company in 1946 and remained with the company for the next 41 years, retiring as vice president and general manager of the company in 1987. He was appointed as a trustee to the Port of Galveston in 1980 and speaheaded many improvement projects during his 7-year term with that organization. He served several terms as secretary-treasurer of the Propeller Club and was honored by that group as Maritime Man of the Year in 1976. Also active in the Navy League, he served as first vice president and president of that association. He was an admiral in the Texas Navy, served 4 years on the Port Safety and Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, and was honored upon his retirement by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor and City Council, and all of the shipping industry in the South as one of the all-time greatest men to ever work at the Port of Galveston.

After his retirement, His wife of 41 years, Pansy, died suddenly. Following a period of grief and re-evaluation of life's priorities, Ray married Muriel O'Byrne, a longtime family friend and native of Wales, UK. Together they traveled the world, bought a 36-acre ranch in Centerpoint, Texas, held parties, visited everybody everywhere and had a fun campain for the next 20 years. Hurricane Ike came along in 2008 and wiped out their house in Galveston, after which they moved to The Forum in the Woodlands North of Houston. Ray lived there quietly with Muriel until today, when he was called home to be with the Lord in his 88th year.

There are stories that could go on for years. Ray had a wonderful and adventurous life while remaining a quiet, impeccable gentleman with devotion to his faith, his family, his country, and his career. I never had to look far to find a role model. His image was one of greatness and strength, of caring and happiness.

He was a decent, honorable man, and decent, honorable men are becoming increasingly rare in today's world. I just hope I can live up to his standards and be remembered some day as I remember him. God Bless you, Dad, and keep you forever. Johnny

[Novel-T]

Sorry John,love from Susan and me

[jim sanders]

sorry John... great words to read

[draglist]

Sorry for your loss, John. Thanks to your dad for bringing us you. bp

[pro70z28]

Sorry for your loss John. Sounds like he had a wonderful, full life. take care my friend.

[Bret Kepner]

My sincere condolences, Cat.

[stimpy]

Sincere Condolances from Mary and I, to you and your family John

[bandit]

RIP Mr. Bockelman! I'm sorry John, for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

[Jack Redd]

I am sorry to hear of your sad news. My prayers are with you and your family.

[Barb]

Cat, there are no words ....

Hugz my friend