Russell Dockery

In Loving Memory of Frank Russell "Doc" Dockery

Frank Russell "Doc" Dockery, 81, of Madera, California, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife, Rosemary, and daughter, Cara. Born on December 30, 1943, in Antioch, California, to the late Benjamin Frank and Edith Grace Dockery, Russell lived a life marked by dedication, courage, and community.

A proud graduate of Madera High School in 1962, Russell married Rosemary Turri, on October 22, 1966. In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in Vietnam, earning three Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat. Returning home, Russell built a distinguished 45-year career in the farm equipment industry, serving Central Valley growers with integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In retirement, Doc found joy in simple pleasures: tending his garden, golfing with friends, and spending time at the Madera Elks Lodge. A devoted sports enthusiast, he cheered passionately for the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his love for football, baseball, basketball, and golf was infectious. Even in his final days, Doc's spirit shone through as he organized sports pools, bringing friends together in camaraderie.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Edith Dockery; his in-laws, Dolores and Elmo Turri; his brother, Bill Dockery; and his niece, Dana Keller. He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemary; daughter and son-in-law, Cara and Scott Houlding; cherished grandson, Carson Houlding; brothers Jim (Karen) Dockery and Alton (Minna) Dockery; sisters-in-law Margaret (Bill) Burton and Theresa (Patrick) McKelvy; nephew Rick Dockery; and nieces Debi Dockery, Karen Calabrese, Becky Berger, Ashley Roberts, and Alison Mateus.

A celebration of Russell's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Jay Chapel Funeral Home in Madera, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. Honoring one of his final wishes, the family invites friends to join them for "One Last Tailgate with Doc" at the Madera Elks Lodge immediately following the services.

The family welcomes memorial contributions to:

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/

• Bristol Hospice Foundation of California

5251 Office Park Drive, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93309

https://bristolhospicefoundationca.org/donate/

Flowers are also gratefully accepted.