Retired Master Sergeant John A. “Jack” Cocking, 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 11, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was a 20 year U.S. Air Force veteran serving in post-war Korea, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and two tours in Vietnam. Jack was born on December 22, 1933 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to Leslie J. and Bertella Cocking. In 1952, he joined the Air Force serving as a Jet Aircraft Crew Chief. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1972, Jack continued his career as an F-4 Aircraft Trainer in Saudi Arabia for Northrup Corporation, followed by a 10 year career with the United States Postal Service and a 10 year career as a Citrus County Public School bus driver. He was also the owner-operator of Jack and Karen’s Mobile Home Rentals. Jack was a brave and loyal patriot, as well as a dedicated and loving husband and father. He was a member and deacon of Grace Bible Church for 35 years, and he served with Teen Missions International as Head Team Leader for seven summers at various missions locations around the world. Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Karen; four sons: Michael (Kim), Mark (Dianna), Martin (Leslie), Matthew (Teri); eight grandchildren: Martin II (Gina), Joyce (Richard), Jay, Maria (Keelan), Jessica (Travis), Michele (Casey), Jackie, Amanda and 11 great grandchildren: Nicco, Jeremiah, Rachel, Aydenn, Samuel, Micah, Gideon, Fintan, Jaxon, Leslie and Daniel. A viewing will take place at Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa on Friday, July 13, 2018 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from Grace Bible Church, 6382 Green Acres Street, Homosassa, FL 34446. Interment at Royal Palms North, 2600 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg, Florida following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Bible Church Missions. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa. www.wilderfuneral.com
