Charles Lester Pocock Jr.

Charles (“Charlie”) Pocock was born in Logan, Utah to Charles Lester (“Les”) Pocock and Frances (Thomas) Pocock. Charlie was the first of three children. He graduated from Logan Senior High School in 1951 and from Utah State University in the class of 1955. He married Marlene Mund on February 27, 1954 then entered the USAF in 1955, graduating from pilot training in 1956. Charlie and Marlene spent twenty-four years in the Air Force and then worked for Lockheed for eleven years in Southern California before retiring to Palmer Lake, Colorado. Charlie and Marlene moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2017.

Lieutenant Colonel Pocock is survived by his wife, Marlene, and two children, Steven M. Pocock of North Canton, Ohio and Elizabeth A. Gipson of Palmer Lake, Colorado; six grandchildren, a brother, Thomas R. Pocock, Oakton, Virginia and a sister, Margaret Ann Smith, Logan, Utah.

Charlie held an MS degree in engineering from the University of Southern California and completed all USAF Professional courses through Air War College. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in California and an FAA licensed Commercial Pilot. During his tenure with Lockheed he served as a pilot and General Program Manager during the development of the F-117 stealth fighter and several other highly classified programs.

His military career included line and staff positions culminating as the Chief of the Bomber and Transport Branch of the Directorate of Flight Safety, Headquarters USAF.

His service included two combat tours with the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Forward Air Controller, for a total of 714 days, flying 628 combat missions and numerous Combat Support missions in Vietnam and Korea. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal, two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, and 22 Air Medals in addition to numerous other U.S. and foreign decorations.

After retiring he authored nine books, many professional and historical papers, and booklets. He also served on various volunteer Boards of Directors including the Palmer Lake Town Council, Palmer Lake Historical Society, Tri-Lakes Cares, and served for fifteen years as president of the Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District. He had also been an active member of the Forward Air Controller Association.

He will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew this kind, generous, intelligent, and patriotic man.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Pocock family.