Charles J. Searock

1936 - 2015

Searock, Charles JCharles J Searock, Jr., Lieutenant General, USAF (retired), age 78, died March 3, 2015 in Oklahoma City. "Charlie," was born July 17, 1936 in Easton, PA and spent most of his youth in Nazareth, PA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in general education from the University of Nebraska, Omaha in 1962 and a master's degree in management from Central Michigan University in 1975. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1963, Air Command and Staff College in 1973 and the Army War College in 1976. Lt. Gen Searock was a decorated Vietnam Veteran who began his military career in 1954 as a member of the California National Guard. He entered active duty in 1956 as an aviation cadet. During the majority of his military career, he served in the Strategic Air Command. Early in his career, he was assigned to the Pentagon as a member of the Air Staff, and he served as Assistant for Plans to the Military Assistant to the President at the White House. He also served in Headquarters United States European Command as well as several years in the Air Force Logistics Command. During this time he was assigned as the Vice Commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Charlie served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and later became the Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He was a command pilot with more than 7,000 flying hours. He served as a KC-97 pilot, B-52 pilot and FB-111 pilot. He flew 152 B-52 combat missions during the Vietnam War as a Senior Command Pilot. He retired from active duty military service in 1993 after almost 37 years in the Air Force and two years in the Army National Guard. At the time of his death he maintained his currency as a commercial multi-engine instrument-rated pilot and was a Civil Air Patrol pilot. Life after retirement for Lt. Gen Searock had been very active. He was CEO/president and a member of the board of directors of Dynasil Corporation. He also spent four years in the general aviation industry as the Air Victory Museum's original director. Charlie was very active and a life member in the Civil Air Patrol. He was also involved with Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program and a member in the Sooner Model A Club. Charlie was a member, volunteer, and sang in the choir at St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma. One of the most important aspects and joys of Charlie's life was his family. He was a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. His wisdom, guidance, wise counsel, and love of country will be missed by all who knew him. He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, a passion he passed from his own father to his sons and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Grace (Todora) Searock; and brother, Steve Searock. He is survived by his wife, Ann (Brackeen) Searock; children, Michael Searock (Elizabeth) of Midwest City, OK; Matthew Searock of Cape Neddick, ME; Patrick Searock, Ft. Collins, CO and W. Adam Searock of Edmond, OK; 11 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother John Searock (Mary ) of Burbank, CA and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service and interment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. - In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. www.dav.org; Disabled American Veterans PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250 Services: N/A