Command Sargent Major Lilburn (L.D.) Shockley went to be with the Lord and on Sunday, December 2nd peacefully at his home. He was a wonderful and loving husband, daddy and grandpa. He was born on July10, 1931 in Provence, OK to Man Shockley and Virgie Ellen (Mays) Shockley. On May 15, 1954 he married Clara Merlene Mathis in Henrietta, Texas. He was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served two tours in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, where he earned numerous medals and commendations including two Bronze Star Medals, Legion of Merit, National Defense Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), Korea Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Six Good Conduct Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, four Overseas Service Bars and USM. He was a brave and loyal soldier who served his country for twenty-five years.
L.D. attended CTC after retiring from the Army, earning a degree in auto mechanics. He later returned to masonry, in which he was extremely gifted. He volunteered with the Boys Scouts teaching many young boys useful skills and helping many earn their Eagle Scout Badges. L.D. was a mentor to many young men. He was always willing to help Veterans get the services they needed. He was a lifetime member of the Gatesville Chapter #74 DAV and life associate member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, L.D. was also a member of Fairview Baptist Church.
Lilburn is survived by his daughter Pam and her husband Scotty; one grandson Cody and five great-grandchildren, four sisters Roxie, Faye, Martha and Johnnie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding L.D. into the arms of the Lord were his beloved wife of 64 ½ years; his son Gary; his parents and siblings, Dusty, Mildred, Horace, Rocky and Utah.
