HAMPTON — Frederic Bockoven passed away Friday, Oct. 24, 2020, after a long and full life. He was born April 30, 1921, on the USS Sherman near the Philippines.
During his life, he lived in the Philippines, Panama, Japan, Turkey, Germany and at least seven states. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1941 and entered the U.S. Army as a lieutenant. During World War II, he fought at Bastogne and the Remagen Bridge, among other battles, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Upon his return, he was happily married to Helen Spinner until her death in 1986.
In 1995, he married Erma Henry, to whom he was devoted until his death.
Fred served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. During that time, he fought in the Philippine Hukbalahap conflict, spent two years in the CIA in Turkey and fought in Korea, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He commanded the 13th Cavalry Armored Battalion in Germany, winning many awards. At one point during this tense time, he was ordered to mobilize his unit to reopen the route to West Berlin, but, luckily, an agreement was reached with the Soviets, averting war. After retirement from the U.S. Army, he worked briefly as a realtor at Drucker and Falk, and then was a highly regarded science teacher at Jeff Davis Jr. High School; vice principal at Kecoughtan; and principal at Spratley, Pembroke and Jeff Davis.
He was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served as an usher, chairman of the Worship Committee and occasionally taught adult Christian formation class.
In retirement, Fred became an avid sailor, spending many happy days on the waters of Hampton Roads with best friend, the late Lorraine (Armie) Armstrong, and others.
Fred Bockoven was a wonderful man, truly brilliant, accomplished, energetic, friendly and caring. He was a great father, husband, grandfather and friend.
He is survived by his daughter, son-in-law, and their children, Marti Sturm, Paul Sturm, Mark (wife, Sherri), Andy, and Jenna (husband, Thomas) Bonham; son, daughter-in-law, and son’s children, Neil Bockoven, Denise, Kim (Shelton), Alison, Eric, Scott and Ryan; and wife and her children, Erma Henry, Michael (wife, Diane) Henry, and Greg (wife, Vicki) Henry. Cherished grandchildren are Cristin Henry, Carlyn (husband, Jamey) Menser, Ben (wife, Jill) Henry, Aston Aune and Amy Martin. Great-grandchildren are Samuel Sturm, Wyatt and Willow Menser, Penelope and Iris Henry, Lucas and Cole Bonham, Kristen Martin and Olivia Aune.
He was preceded in death by his father, Col. Frederic Harold Bockoven; mother, Aileen Smith Bockoven; and grandson, Charles M. Henry Jr.
Memorial services will be held at St. Johns Episcopal Church at a later time. Interment will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family wishes expressions of sympathy to take the form of contributions to Boys Home of Virginia or Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
