Edmund James Bock

Ed was born on July 15, 1921, the son of James Fitchue Bock and Angela Ingabord (Bertz) Bock, in Clear Lake Washington. During his early years the family moved a number of times ultimately settling in Moclips, Washington where Ed graduated from high school.

He was a college student when World War II began. Soon thereafter Ed enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was asked to stay in school until they needed him. While attending the College of Puget Sound, he was called up and sent to Basic Training, and then Officer Candidate School. Upon graduating he was commissioned a second lieutenant and sent to the Pacific Theater in 1945. At the end of the war Ed spent time in China as part of the reconstruction effort. After serving in the Reserves for a number of years, he was recalled for duty during the Korean War, serving in Korea.

In 1948 Ed was introduced to the love of his life, Betty Lou Simons. They were married on June 11, 1949. A marriage which lasted nearly 52 years until Betty passed away in May of 2001.

Following his Marine Corps service Ed returned to civilian life to help Betty raise a family which included 3 children, Ed Jr, Becky and Judy. Ed was as a teacher, coach, principal and school district administrator in various locations around the state of Washington. After a total of over 35 years of helping kids in the state of Washington receive a strong education, Ed retired in 1986.

In 1988 Ed and Betty moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona and never looked back. They enjoyed the friendship of many others. Happily entertaining, dancing and playing golf they lived life to the fullest. One of the highlights of Ed’s time in Sun Lakes was the opportunity to participate in an Honor Flight through Honor Flight Northern Arizona to Washington DC in the fall of 2012. Ed spoke often of what an amazing experience his Honor Flight was.

Ed was preceded by his parents, his wife Betty, his younger sister Virginia Clement and his brother-in-law Leroy (Clem) Clement. Ed is survived by his son Ed Jr of Albany, Oregon, daughters Becky of Centre, Alabama and Judy of Sun Lakes. He is also survived by his grandchildren who loved him dearly, Andrea, Andrew, Daniel, Emma, Erin, Shawn, Tessa and Tony as well as 12 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, probably in the Fall of 2020. The family is asking in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Honor Flight Northern Arizona, P.O. Box 12258, Prescott, AZ 86304 which will enable additional veterans the opportunity to experience an Honor Flight.