Joseph Thomas Vocks Sr.

With deep sadness the family announces the passing of our beloved Colonel Joseph “Joe” Thomas Vocks, Sr. After battling triple hit lymphoma for over two years, he went home to be with our savior on December 3, 2025, at the age of 80. He was a cherished husband, dad, grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, faithful catholic Christian, Knight of Columbus, Pastoral Care Minister, and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 18, 1945, he grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Herman Vocks, Jr and Ruth Thomas Vocks and infant sister Ruth Ann who died at birth. He graduated from St. Louis University and was commissioned in the US Air Force Medical Services Corps in 1967. He served a distinguished 28 year long career. He was one of the Dirty 30 in 1973 who made Air Force history in recruiting doctors and other health professionals as volunteers versus draftees. His favorite assignment was Commander of the 57th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, where their mission was transporting patients from medical facilities all over the United States to the major military medical centers for specialty care.

Colonel Vocks is survived by Clista Smith Vocks, his loving and devoted wife of over 58 years; sons Joseph Vocks, II (Darla); Daniel Vocks (Stephanie); grandchildren Grant Vocks, Logan Vocks, Rebecka Vocks; Emma Vocks; sisters-in-law Margie Dobson and Beverly Gandy; many extended family members; and numerous dear friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Bone Marrow Transplant Inpatient Unit and Clinic at Brooke Army Medical Center along with Hope Hospice for their support and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Honey Creek, 25781 State Hwy 46 W, Spring Branch, TX 78070 on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary and Celebration of Life to begin at 7:00 pm.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph-Honey Creek on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:00 am.

The interment with Full Air Force Honors will take place at Fort Sam National Cemetery on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 9:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Joseph-Honey Creek, 25781 State Hwy 46 W, Spring Branch, TX 78070.

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