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Richard Ockenhouse Obituary

Richard C. Ockenhouse
Richard C. Ockenhouse achieved in life what many strive for, complete contentment with the life he lived. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at home while in the care of his loving family.
He never achieved great wealth, social status or fame. He was dyslexic and didn't master reading until his 30s. What he did achieve was a life worth emulating; an ordinary hero who had incredible integrity, work ethic and love for the Lord. Richard believed the three words that best summed up his life were "He tried hard."
Born in Lehighton to Raymond and Bessie (Leickel) Ockenhouse on May 28, 1929, Richard was born at home on Carbon Street, grew up on 3rd Street and moved to First Street when he was a teenager.
His three brothers, Maynard, Harold and Russell; and sister, Pearl Small, have since passed away. He is survived by his sister, Jean Fisher of Lehighton. Richard and Jean shared daily phone calls, frequent visits, and competed in the Carbon County Senior Olympics together as their sibling banter continued into their 90s.
From his very first job at Sue's Corner Shop on 3rd Street at 10 years old, to working summers picking broad-leaf tobacco in Northampton, Mass., constructing the Beltzville Dam, Blue Ridge Casting and Evelyn Christman's factory in Packerton (to name a few of the many jobs he had), Richard often worked two or three jobs to provide for his family.
An Army veteran, he served during the Korean War.
He proudly retired as a bus driver from the CLIU 21. His work ethic was, and is, a shining example for us all.
Richard married Mary Louise (Hendrickson), the absolute love of his life, on Nov. 26, 1964. United in love for each other and the Lord, they dedicated their lives to loving and caring for children that needed a home. Together, they raised 18 children on Flag Staff Mountain and provided a home for countless others when the need arose. Mary preceded Richard in death on Feb. 15, 2008. His faith they would one day be reunited was a comfort to him while he finished his time here on earth without her.
Richard loved to encourage others ('Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.' 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Somehow he understood the importance of making others feel valued, heard and loved. In his memory, let us find and encourage within ourselves, within our society, within others those gifts that make each of us extraordinary…not fame, not wealth nor society's definition of success…but the unbelievable beauty of the human heart and the true power of love for each other.
Service: In honor of the two things Richard loved to share, the gospel and his home on the mountain, a celebration is planned for May 29, 2022, on Flag Staff Mountain. A church service, followed by a picnic, will begin at 12 p.m. All who knew him are cordially invited to join us in honoring his life and the Lord.
"Well done, my good and faithful servant." Book of Matthew, Chapter 25, Verse 23.
Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.
Condolences or a fond memory can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.
Published by Times News on Jan. 10, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ockenhouse

Sponsored by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Tamaqua.

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5 Entries

Jeff cortazzo

January 19, 2022

I'm SO GLAD I got to know him before his time was finished. What a treasure of a man.....he always cherished the afterlife.

Patricia & Kevin Borger

January 12, 2022

Dear Lisa, Please accept our sympathies in the loss of your Dad. Our memories here will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Kevin and Patti Borger

Luke Bynon

January 12, 2022

He was my first bus driver.
So sorry for your loss Lisa.
We are glad we knew him and looking forward to the reunion in Heaven

Robin Eckley

January 11, 2022

I remember Richard and Mary, wonderful people! While growing up I attended Bible school at their home in the summer. Richard was my sons bus driver. My condolences to his family, good memories of a wonderful man and family.

Inspired

January 11, 2022

Beautiful eulogy. Did not know the man but for such things to be remembered about him to me means he was truly remarkable. GOD Bless

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Memorial Events
for Richard Ockenhouse

May

29

Celebration of Life

12:00 p.m.

Flag Staff Mountain

1 Flag Staff Mountain Road, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

May

29

Celebration of Life

12:00 p.m.

Flag Staff Mountain

1 Flag Staff Mountain Road, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

Funeral services provided by:

E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - Tamaqua

655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252

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