Allen Don Bockelman

The family of Allen Don Bockelman would like to take this opportunity to celebrate his life journey through this world that God entrusted him. Allen passed away at the home on August 6, 2015 surrounded by his loving family caring for his needs.

Allen was born June 19, 1928 in Kansas City during the Depression Era, with the family having little money but much love. He was the third child of the eventual nine born to parents Arthur M. and Dena L. (Goosmann) Bockelman. During those formative years, one had to be resourceful with the things they had, and Allen became very skilled in making things work. He enjoyed creating something new or improving on an idea. After graduating from Paseo High School in 1945 he started into the workforce. One job he had was working for Kellogg Switchboard & Supply which had government contracts “modernizing” the telephone industry.

It was while working there that the Korean War broke out. The Army now needed new soldiers for the frontline action. A new Draft was initiated and Allen was selected in the first draftees of new recruits. Kellogg tried to get him deferred as they needed to fulfil their contract, but Allen’s path was already set. He was sent to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. The fort had been basically shut down after WWII, so one of his first duties was to help re-open portions of the fort in order to receive basic training. After Basic he was directly thrown into combat, as the first months in Korea were desperate ones. Allen had many close calls and told us in later years that he should not have made it through, but his Lord saved him for some reason. He was seriously injured in one action and spent some time recuperating. It was not until 50 years later that Allen received his Purple Heart. A few years ago, Allen, with the help of his wife, wrote a book of his experiences in the Korean War.

Upon Allen’s return home he worked with his father building homes. One of the homes was sold to Frank and Florence Davis. They had a daughter, Shirley Jane. Shirley caught Allen’s eye, they fell in love and were married on June 17, 1955. After Allen’s father retired, Allen became a commercial window glazier. While working on Commerce Towers hanging 30 stories up, he had the thought, “I would sure like to go back to building homes.” He shared that idea with Shirley and she gladly stated “come in from out there and let’s do it.” He and his wife spent many years as home builders and developers doing what they wanted to do.

Allen accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. God was miraculously with him while serving on the front lines in Korea. Allen’s faith in Christ is what made him a good son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. God gave him much talent to make things with his hands. He donated many talents and projects completed to each church the family attended. His mission field became his shop as all who came, never left without hearing the gospel.

Allen is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 60 years; five children Paul A. Bockelman (Katheryn), Peculiar; William D. Bockelman (Leaticia), Perth, Australia; John Frank Bockelman (Dorcas), Peculiar; Steven J. Bockelman (Kathleen), Belton; Rebecca Jane Morrison (Darrell), Raymore; ten grandchildren Jessica (Kalan), Rachel (Andrew), Joel, Jesse, Jessee, Cade, Davis, Benjamin, Bethany, and Samuel; along with four great-grandchildren Emma, Silas, Quinn and Kaleb. He is also survived by two sisters Darline B. Metsker, Raymore and Carol A. Bockelman, Harrisonville, and three brothers Donald L. Bockelman (Audrey), Harrisonville, James D. Bockelman, Raymore and Paul G. Bockelman (Sue), Charlotte, NC. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, wife’s parents, two sisters Naomi Beisel and Shirley Foley, and one brother Arthur G. Bockelman.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. Funeral service will be 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans or Midland Ministries of St. Joseph, MO (Andrew and Rachel Johnson).