LEONARD DOCKUS

1929 - 2016

DOCKUS, LEONARD, 86
Ocala - Mr. Leonard Dockus, 86, has passed away in Ocala, Florida on June 9, 2016. He was born the 15th child to Peter and Mary Dockus on July 5, 1929, in Copley, Ohio. Growing up on the family farm Len helped with the family wholesale Greenhouse business. This would inspire a lifelong love for flowers and gardening. He had extensive knowledge of plants and quite the green thumb.
Len graduated from Copley High School and went on to further his education at Kent State University. While attending Kent State, Len earned a degree in business and a degree in Education. Kent State also brought him to the love of his life and wife of 64 years, 'Ginny' Lepole. Married in 1951, Ginny joined Len in Honolulu, Hawaii. There he served his tour in the Air Force during the Korean War.
When completing his enlistment, Len stayed true to the Dockus roots and opened a retail florist business in Akron, Ohio. Len retired from the Norton school system as one of the most inspirational and admired teachers by students and staff as well. This earned him the prestigious Jennings Scholar Award from 1981-1982. His enthusiasm and passion for sports encouraged him to follow many of his students throughout their high school and college sports careers showing his true character and positive influence to every life he touched.
Len was an active member of the Norton Ohio Lions Club and later created the Southwest Ocala Florida Club in which he was president. Two veteran guide dogs were named Lenny to carry on Lens Legacy of 42 years of hard work, time and endless devotion. An ambitious overachiever with a willingness to help made Len an active member in Ocala West Methodist Church. There he served on the building committee, men's club and helped organize the yearly junque sale.
He tutored after school children, delivered Meals on Wheels and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Len stayed active in his Spruce Creek community in which he was President of the Association, participated in pancake breakfast and helped his wife execute the Human Touch Program in which medical equipment is leant out at no cost to Spruce Creek residents. Len was also active in his community crime watch.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ginny, of 64 years; one son, David Dockus of Gainesville, FL; and a daughter, Connie Parra of Ocala, FL; five grandchildren, Chasity, Nicki, Jacob, Jeffery and Joey; and ten great-grandchildren.
A gathering of friends will take place at the Ocala West United Methodist church 9330 SW 105th Street in Ocala on Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 10-11AM with a funeral service to follow at 11AM. Roberts Funeral homes West Chapel (352) 854-2266 made the arrangements. To leave condolences: robertsfuneralhomes.com.