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Celebrating the life of

Donald Kent Shockey Lt. Col., U.S.M.C. (Ret.)

August 23, 1939 - November 05, 2016

Donald Kent Shockey Lt. Col., U.S.M.C. (Ret.)

Donald Kent Shockey, Lt. Col., U.S.M.C. (Ret.), 77 years old, died peacefully Saturday, November 5, 2016 in his home on Wilmington Island. 

Mr. Shockey was born on August 23, 1939 in Atchison, Kansas.  He graduated from the University of Arkansas and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958.

After retiring in Savannah, Georgia he taught Navy ROTC at Jenkins High School, and was an active member of the Marine Corps League, Navy League, American Legion Post 184, VFW Post 4392, Retired Officers Association, Military Order of World Wars, and Coast Guard Auxiliary & Division Captain. He was honored Veteran of the Year in 2008.

Surviving are his son and daughter, Lamar Kent "Mauri" Shockey and Shannon Shockey Lambert, and his grandson, Brian Lambert.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Islands Christian Church on US-80, and the funeral service will follow at the same location at approximately 11:00 am.

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Col was my ROTC instructor in high school. He gave me every confidence I had in the world that I would become a great Marine one day. He didn't hold it against me when I joined the Army. I visited him in the hospital when he was ongoing treatment for his leukemia and then reason he missed our high school graduation. Years later I returned home for a visit and saw him at the Patriotic convert put on by Savannah Winds. Almost 20 years later he remembered me still. I never got the chance to introduce him to my children, my twins share his birthday. Semper Fidelis

- Allison (Smith) Hobaugh, Virginia Beach, Va

Our entire family is so grateful for your kind words. Yes, we agree he was an awesome man. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Thanks again, much love, the Shockey family.

- Shannon Shockey Lambert, Savannah, GA

Learning of Kens death while visiting our other USCG family serving in San Francisco, came very hard to me! :( Just lost for words and the anonymous respect I had for Ken & his extreme service to our great county! "God Bless!" <3

- Gary Peryea, Savannah , Ga.

So sorry to hear of Kent's death. He was the one who got me active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary several years ago, and I was always glad to see him after that. I saw that he was signed up to go to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball a couple of weeks ago; now I know why he didn't get there. I am SO sorry; he was a very good guy, and I will miss him. May you all find happiness in good memories of him.

- Sally Dayton, Savannah , GA

I send my condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of being a part of the Sol.C.Johnson NJROTC C/O 93. He was a true source of inspiration. My God be with you during these times.

- Gregory Binns Sr., Dublin , Ga

I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I had the pleasure to work with him at Jenkins. He was a womderful man and a true gentleman. He had such a positive influence on all who knew him. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

- Judy Guyer, Bradenton, FL

My most respectful and heartfelt condolences to your family, Col. Shockey. So many of my proudest memories of high school are directly tied to you. Rest In Peace Sir. Joel R. Smith and Family

- Joel Smith (Jenkins HS ROTC 92-95) and family, Savannah, GA

Col Shockey was my NJROTC instructor at H.V. Jenkins High School. He was a great teacher and shared his love for the Corp with those he taught. He had a great love for the service and it showed every time he taught military history, marksmanship, even out helping the new recruits learn how to march. I am grateful for the time I was his student. I pray for his family and want them to know that he will truly live forever in those he taught. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

- Michael Royals, Pooler, GA

Col. Shockey was my favorite teacher from school. He became a second father to me and became a rock for me when I felt lost. I had the pleasure of being a part of NJROTC with him all 4 years in high school and still kept in touch with him for many years after graduation. When he found out he had cancer, it was right before I graduated in 1995 and he would miss graduation due to treatment. I went to see him in the hospital and for the first time ever, he called me by my first name. I held back the tears until I got into the hallway. I realized then how much this rock solid burly marine meant to me. I was overjoyed that he beat the illness and would continue to call me by my last name. Col. Shockey was a great man that genuinely cared about people. He was firm but caring. I will miss him greatly. Prayers go out to his family.

- Andy Umbarger (Anne M. Westgate), Brooklet, Ga

Colonel Shockey was my first commanding officer upon entry into the Corps. He was a fair man, friendly when he could be and stern when he had to be. He took good care of his men and their families. He will be sorely missed. At the gates Colonel Shockey was greeted by a Marine who said "Welcome Home". Semper Fi, Sir!

- David Prlley, Lexington, SC

I was a former student of LtCol Shockey, and was very saddened to hear of his loss. He made such an impact on many young lives, and he will be missed. My condolences to the Shockey family for their loss, and my gratitude for not only his service to his country, but his continued service as a teacher. Semper Fidelis

- Barbara Hoover VanVliet, Camp Pendleton , CA

I am a former NJROTC student of Lt. Col. Shockey (1994 graduate of Jenkins HS). There is no way for me to measure the influence you had on my life. I greatly appreciate the leadership skills, the memories, the experiences, the influence and the fun that was gifted to me by him and the NJROTC program during an impressionable time of my life. Thank you for your service. May you rest in Peace.

- Janet (Taylor) Anwar, Athens, GA

So sorry to hear of the Colonel"s passing. Will miss him at every CAP Marine Reunion. God's speed Colonel and Semper Fi. ?? Phil Ovelman, Chairman, Bd of Directors Combined Action Prog. Vet. Ass.

- Phil Ocelman, Coatesville, Pa

Such a wonderful man with a legacy that we all aspire to- love you Shannon! Greta

- Greta, Savannah, Ga

Kent was a great Marine, both active and retired. We met him when we came to Savannah from the US Navy in the late 1980's and have always been impressed with his activities and contributions to our community and maritime port. Well Done...always...Well Done!!! Tom Wright

- Tom Wright, Savannah, GA

Kent was a very honorable man who will be greatly missed. Couldn't be a better friend. .

- Terry. Crowell, Savannah, Ga

Col Kent was the finest most genuine man I have ever known. I could be having a tough time in my life and when I talked to him he always made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He will be missed terribly. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends. God has a true angel now. Rest in peace Col. Kent.

- Brady Wright, Savannah, GA

I shared many fine times with Kent. Particularly in High school s we participated in Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts and summer activities. Contact extended beyond those years as we shared the earlier bond. Peace, justice and grace to you all. Buster Jones

- Howard 'Buster' Jones, Roanoke, VA

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

- Theresa L. Wright, Savannah, GA

I was privileged to work with Kent for over 14 years at Jenkins High School. He was a compassionate and dedicated educator. He was truly a friend of veterans. His desire to give back to the community touched the lives of many people. He will be missed. My wife and I send our deepest sympathy.

- CPO Otis Young USN(RET), Savannah, GA

From your former student Traci Blair at Jenkins high school ROTC you will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss. I send my deepest condolences to your family. I know how it is when you lose a loved one especially a father. I lost my dad in 2007. Your father was a great man. I truly wish I could be there for the service. With my deepest sympathy Traci. If you need a friend to talk to I will be available.

- Traci A. Hawn , Taylors , SC

I am a formal student of lt. Col. Shockey. He was my friend. He will be missed dearly. He was my mentor. God bless your family. Thank you John blair

- John. Blair, Pooler, Georgia

RIP Captain Colonel, Colonel Captain.

- Roger Chandler, Savannah , GA

We have lost a true friend.He will be missed.

- Will Ross, Richmond Hill, GA

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and always so kind to our family. Prayers

- Heather, Clay, & Carlee Hurst, Savannah, GA

Colonel Shockey was one of the first to introduce himself to my wife and I upon our first visit to the Britannia on Wilmington Island. he always lit-up the place with smiles when he visited. very well-liked, friendly and respected gentleman. he will be very much missed by many.

- hayward, savannah, ga

Thinking of the family at this time what a great man he was

- Paul Gardner, Savannah, Ga

Dear Shockey Family, I only recently had the honor of meeting Mr. Kent, but I will never forget him. What an amazing man who lived an amazing life! My God grant you peace at this time.

- Stormy Rewcastle, Savannah, GA

Sorry to here about your loss, I met KENT through the Coast Gaurd Auxilary at that time he remided me that my son and I had taken a boating coarse he taught at Jenkins several years prior. He taught us a lot regarding boating and continued teaching me through the Coast Gaurd Auxiliary. One thing about KENT, I will never forget no matter what he did he gave it his all and always gave back. He will be missed not only by me but all the people he touched.

- Steve Polsinelli, Savannah, GA, 31411

I will always fondly remember Kent as a friend and mentor. He guided me through the enrollment process and quals for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He introduced me to the Navy League. I always enjoyed crewing with him. He was a selfless volunteer and provided excellent leadership. Kent, we will miss you dearly. To the Corps!

- Warren Onken, Richmond Hill, GA

Col was my ROTC instructor in high school. He gave me every confidence I had in the world that I would become a great Marine one day. He didn't hold it against me when I joined the Army. I visited him in the hospital when he was ongoing treatment for his leukemia and then reason he missed our high school graduation. Years later I returned home for a visit and saw him at the Patriotic convert put on by Savannah Winds. Almost 20 years later he remembered me still. I never got the chance to introduce him to my children, my twins share his birthday. Semper Fidelis

- Allison (Smith) Hobaugh, Virginia Beach, Va

Our entire family is so grateful for your kind words. Yes, we agree he was an awesome man. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Thanks again, much love, the Shockey family.

- Shannon Shockey Lambert, Savannah, GA

Learning of Kens death while visiting our other USCG family serving in San Francisco, came very hard to me! :( Just lost for words and the anonymous respect I had for Ken & his extreme service to our great county! "God Bless!" <3

- Gary Peryea, Savannah , Ga.

So sorry to hear of Kent's death. He was the one who got me active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary several years ago, and I was always glad to see him after that. I saw that he was signed up to go to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball a couple of weeks ago; now I know why he didn't get there. I am SO sorry; he was a very good guy, and I will miss him. May you all find happiness in good memories of him.

- Sally Dayton, Savannah , GA

I send my condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of being a part of the Sol.C.Johnson NJROTC C/O 93. He was a true source of inspiration. My God be with you during these times.

- Gregory Binns Sr., Dublin , Ga

I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I had the pleasure to work with him at Jenkins. He was a womderful man and a true gentleman. He had such a positive influence on all who knew him. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

- Judy Guyer, Bradenton, FL

My most respectful and heartfelt condolences to your family, Col. Shockey. So many of my proudest memories of high school are directly tied to you. Rest In Peace Sir. Joel R. Smith and Family

- Joel Smith (Jenkins HS ROTC 92-95) and family, Savannah, GA

Col Shockey was my NJROTC instructor at H.V. Jenkins High School. He was a great teacher and shared his love for the Corp with those he taught. He had a great love for the service and it showed every time he taught military history, marksmanship, even out helping the new recruits learn how to march. I am grateful for the time I was his student. I pray for his family and want them to know that he will truly live forever in those he taught. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

- Michael Royals, Pooler, GA

Col. Shockey was my favorite teacher from school. He became a second father to me and became a rock for me when I felt lost. I had the pleasure of being a part of NJROTC with him all 4 years in high school and still kept in touch with him for many years after graduation. When he found out he had cancer, it was right before I graduated in 1995 and he would miss graduation due to treatment. I went to see him in the hospital and for the first time ever, he called me by my first name. I held back the tears until I got into the hallway. I realized then how much this rock solid burly marine meant to me. I was overjoyed that he beat the illness and would continue to call me by my last name. Col. Shockey was a great man that genuinely cared about people. He was firm but caring. I will miss him greatly. Prayers go out to his family.

- Andy Umbarger (Anne M. Westgate), Brooklet, Ga

Colonel Shockey was my first commanding officer upon entry into the Corps. He was a fair man, friendly when he could be and stern when he had to be. He took good care of his men and their families. He will be sorely missed. At the gates Colonel Shockey was greeted by a Marine who said "Welcome Home". Semper Fi, Sir!

- David Prlley, Lexington, SC

I was a former student of LtCol Shockey, and was very saddened to hear of his loss. He made such an impact on many young lives, and he will be missed. My condolences to the Shockey family for their loss, and my gratitude for not only his service to his country, but his continued service as a teacher. Semper Fidelis

- Barbara Hoover VanVliet, Camp Pendleton , CA

I am a former NJROTC student of Lt. Col. Shockey (1994 graduate of Jenkins HS). There is no way for me to measure the influence you had on my life. I greatly appreciate the leadership skills, the memories, the experiences, the influence and the fun that was gifted to me by him and the NJROTC program during an impressionable time of my life. Thank you for your service. May you rest in Peace.

- Janet (Taylor) Anwar, Athens, GA

So sorry to hear of the Colonel"s passing. Will miss him at every CAP Marine Reunion. God's speed Colonel and Semper Fi. ?? Phil Ovelman, Chairman, Bd of Directors Combined Action Prog. Vet. Ass.

- Phil Ocelman, Coatesville, Pa

Such a wonderful man with a legacy that we all aspire to- love you Shannon! Greta

- Greta, Savannah, Ga

Kent was a great Marine, both active and retired. We met him when we came to Savannah from the US Navy in the late 1980's and have always been impressed with his activities and contributions to our community and maritime port. Well Done...always...Well Done!!! Tom Wright

- Tom Wright, Savannah, GA

Kent was a very honorable man who will be greatly missed. Couldn't be a better friend. .

- Terry. Crowell, Savannah, Ga

Col Kent was the finest most genuine man I have ever known. I could be having a tough time in my life and when I talked to him he always made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He will be missed terribly. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends. God has a true angel now. Rest in peace Col. Kent.

- Brady Wright, Savannah, GA

I shared many fine times with Kent. Particularly in High school s we participated in Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts and summer activities. Contact extended beyond those years as we shared the earlier bond. Peace, justice and grace to you all. Buster Jones

- Howard 'Buster' Jones, Roanoke, VA

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

- Theresa L. Wright, Savannah, GA

I was privileged to work with Kent for over 14 years at Jenkins High School. He was a compassionate and dedicated educator. He was truly a friend of veterans. His desire to give back to the community touched the lives of many people. He will be missed. My wife and I send our deepest sympathy.

- CPO Otis Young USN(RET), Savannah, GA

From your former student Traci Blair at Jenkins high school ROTC you will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss. I send my deepest condolences to your family. I know how it is when you lose a loved one especially a father. I lost my dad in 2007. Your father was a great man. I truly wish I could be there for the service. With my deepest sympathy Traci. If you need a friend to talk to I will be available.

- Traci A. Hawn , Taylors , SC

I am a formal student of lt. Col. Shockey. He was my friend. He will be missed dearly. He was my mentor. God bless your family. Thank you John blair

- John. Blair, Pooler, Georgia

RIP Captain Colonel, Colonel Captain.

- Roger Chandler, Savannah , GA

We have lost a true friend.He will be missed.

- Will Ross, Richmond Hill, GA

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and always so kind to our family. Prayers

- Heather, Clay, & Carlee Hurst, Savannah, GA

Colonel Shockey was one of the first to introduce himself to my wife and I upon our first visit to the Britannia on Wilmington Island. he always lit-up the place with smiles when he visited. very well-liked, friendly and respected gentleman. he will be very much missed by many.

- hayward, savannah, ga

Thinking of the family at this time what a great man he was

- Paul Gardner, Savannah, Ga

Dear Shockey Family, I only recently had the honor of meeting Mr. Kent, but I will never forget him. What an amazing man who lived an amazing life! My God grant you peace at this time.

- Stormy Rewcastle, Savannah, GA

Sorry to here about your loss, I met KENT through the Coast Gaurd Auxilary at that time he remided me that my son and I had taken a boating coarse he taught at Jenkins several years prior. He taught us a lot regarding boating and continued teaching me through the Coast Gaurd Auxiliary. One thing about KENT, I will never forget no matter what he did he gave it his all and always gave back. He will be missed not only by me but all the people he touched.

- Steve Polsinelli, Savannah, GA, 31411

I will always fondly remember Kent as a friend and mentor. He guided me through the enrollment process and quals for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He introduced me to the Navy League. I always enjoyed crewing with him. He was a selfless volunteer and provided excellent leadership. Kent, we will miss you dearly. To the Corps!

- Warren Onken, Richmond Hill, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200