Robert James Ockenhouse

Robert James Ockenhouse, age 97, of Burlington, quietly slipped away to his heavenly Home on Monday, February 24, 2025, after a lengthy season of failing health.
"Mr. Bob," as he was affectionately known to many, was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1927, to the late William Lee and Louisa Calkins Ockenhouse and was the loving husband of nearly 75 years to Patricia Tysor Ockenhouse of the home.
One of seven children, Bob spent his early years working with and for his family, contributing financially to their support by delivering papers, digging graves for the local cemetery, harvesting crops from the family garden and orchard, painting at the local bakery, and caring for his younger sisters.
Following his high school graduation and two days after his 18th birthday, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly and honorably served his country for 3 years until his discharge in 1948. During his enlistment, he was stationed at Cherry Point, NC and served overseas in China and on the island of Guam and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the China Service Medal.
Moving to North Carolina after his discharge, Bob married his sweetheart, Patricia, began what would be 35 years of employment at Western Electric and lovingly raised his family. After retirement, Bob spent many years serving in various capacities at his home church, the Burlington Assembly of God, the Caring Kitchen and at Burlington Christian Academy. Bob loved to work and serve and helping others brought him great pleasure and fulfillment. But anyone who knew him would agree, Bob's greatest joy was found in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the precious Word of God and in his church, and especially in his beloved family.
Survivors include his wife Patricia, his 5 children---Doretta Ockenhouse Cubino, Robert James Ockenhouse, Jr. (Janice), Beth Ockenhouse Lewers (John), Phillip Lee Ockenhouse (Ashley), Jo Lynn Ockenhouse Knight (Dan), his foster son, Roger Thompson (Brenda), 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Louisa Ockenhouse, his 6 siblings---Allen Ockenhouse, Fannie Williams, Bill Ockenhouse, Russell Ockenhouse, Doris Galka and Eleanor Kilcrease and son-in-law, Daniel Cubino.
The family would like to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to the wonderful medical team and home health care members who helped us to honor our father in his desire to be at home for as long as possible. The gentle, professional care he received, and the helpful support offered to the family will not be forgotten. We are grateful.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Burlington Assembly of God, 821 Tucker Street, Burlington on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3:00 with the family receiving friends in the sanctuary from 2:00 to 3:00 pm prior to the service. Interment will be held privately at the Alamance Memorial Park on March 3, 2025.
Memorials, if so desired, may be made to any of the following churches: Burlington Assembly of God, 821 Tucker St., Burlington, NC 27215, Hopedale Church, 909 Deep Creek Church Rd, Burlington, NC 27217 or to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 7345 Jefferies Hwy, Walterboro, SC 29488.
Online Condolences may be made at www.richandthompson.com/tributes
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