Shirley J. Bockelman

What an Eternal Treasure is our Mom, Shirley Jane Bockelman

“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

In the midst of the Great Depression a child, Shirley Jane Davis, our mother, was born May 19, 1935. The proud and loving parents, J. Frank and Florence (Eye) Davis had met and courted in the dusty fields near Chapman Kansas. A place where integrity and faith were an integral part of the American fabric. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Soon after Mom’s parents married, they moved to Dallas, though not Texas, but Missouri. Dallas was the town that grew up around the old Watt’s mill of Western Missouri. It being one of the most important first stops for the wagon trains that went west. It was here that the wagons were loaded with freshly ground grains for the long arduousness trip ahead. Several frontiersmen such as Jim Bridger and Daniel Boone’s descendants had also called this area home. It was here that Mom was born. Mom was always proud of her tight-knit hometown. “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Mom was an only child by record, but might as well have been joined by-the-hip to her “adopted twin sister”, Vera (Reinsch) Myers. The two of them were inseparable and could be mischievous at times. They would tell people who didn’t know them that they were half sisters or purposely tease the farmer’s bull. Their formidable years were shaped by faith, family, and friends in this loving community. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

On June 17, 1955, with Vera by her side as Maid-of-Honor, Shirley married the boy next door, Allen Don Bockelman. Allen was a handsome Korean War veteran that by God’s hand had survived numerous harrowing experiences. After his service, Allen joined his parents in the house building trade. It was in the mid 1950’s the Bockelmans bought two lots next door to each other just off of 108th and Holmes. On those lots they constructed two homes, one of which they personally moved into, and the other they sold to Shirley’s parents. One day Allen was sent over to adjust the Davis’ garage doors. I remember Dad once saying, “that while working on the doors I saw the most beautiful girl" over there. The life-long romance was on. Some people would say situations like this happen by chance, but luck plays no role in the providence of God. “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.”

Allen, with the skills he had acquired working with his parents, and Shirley, with her college training in accounting, were a great match to run their own thriving residential construction business. Over the years they constructed many well built projects at an honest and fair price. But, this is not what defined them, a life of integrity built around their faith is. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Allen and Shirley rejoiced with each new additional to their new family unit. What a huge gift it is to be raised and instructed by a couple whose first priority is Christ and Christian values. Gifts like these should never be forgotten. Their children include; Paul Allen Bockelman and wife Kate, Peculiar, Missouri; William Don Bockelman and wife Leticia, Ocean Reef, Australia; John Frank Bockelman and wife Dorcas, Peculiar, Missouri; Steven James Bockelman and wife Kathleen, Belton, Missouri; and Rebecca Jane Bockelman Morrison and husband Darrell, Raymore, Missouri. They are also blessed with 12 Grandchildren and their spouses, and now many Great-Grandchildren. “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

After Shirley passed, the family set down with the funeral director to fill out the necessary end-of-life forms. One question asked was whether Shirley was a veteran, of which we stated “no”. But upon further reflection, she did serve in the forces. Actually she was a bona fide volunteer enlistee. She served in the spiritual army of the one and only true God, Creator of the universe. Her “Classification Specialty” was in children ministries. We can always remember her devotion to duty, with Sunday School classes, summer Vacation Bible Schools, and in later life working in after school programs with Child Evangelism Fellowship. She loved the children, and the children loved her. This was mom’s heart. “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Even with her rare cancer inflicting the wickedness of its evil head, Mom exemplified grace right up to the end, on July 28th, 2021; Mom eventually succumbed and passed through the veil of this life into God’s eternal provisions. Upon entering Heaven, the angels rejoiced and her Master said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Have you put your faith and trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

The Family of Allen Don and Shirley Jane (Davis) Bockelman