Henry Royer Bockus III went to his eternal home on September 5, 2021. He was born in Oklahoma City to Hank R. and Virginia Bockus. In 1979, he married the girl of his dreams, Teresa Russell. It was a love that lasted for 42 years. He could never figure why a homecoming queen would marry an old mud hen.
Henry was a Burbank Bumblebee and graduated from Northwest Classen. As a swimmer, he anchored the 400 Free Relay State Champion team his senior year (with his Brother Bruce). They made the All-American consideration list. He graduated college from Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the Southwest Conference Champion Swim Team for three years.
After college, Henry worked for a year in Troup, Texas. He moved back to Oklahoma City and was the President of Gordon White Lumber for 41 years. He loved what he did and did what he loved. In the lumber business, he served outside of Gordon White Lumber as President of the Oklahoma Lumbermen's Association and Chairman of the Board for Allied Building Stores.
As his sons Hank and Andy grew up, Henry coached their baseball teams, was Cub Master and was Kerr McGee Swim Club President. His favorite family scriptures were Matthew 7:24-26, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock,” and Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
In 2018 when he sold Gordon White Lumber, Henry began a second career with Habitat for Humanity. This work was a true joy for him during this season of life. Henry's favorite quote was, “Success is what you do for yourself and significance is what you do for others.” Henry was both successful and significant. His life was like Proverbs 11:25, “Whoever brings blessing will be blessed.”
Henry was active at Lakeside United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board, lay leader, and he taught Sunday School for many years. Henry's devotion to his family and his love for Jesus supported him throughout his life.
He loved vacationing every summer in Minnesota. He felt close to God during these family vacations. He served as the camp counselor, ski boat driver, and fishing guide (the truth never got in the way of a fishing story).
Henry's favorite day of the week was Monday. He would say, “Everything is ahead of us!” He went to bed smiling and woke up smiling. With no fear of being repetitive, he lived well, he laughed often and he loved much. He often said, “He was blessed more than he deserved and he was better than good.” On a scale of 1-10, he was always a 12.
He is survived by the girl of his dreams, Teresa Bockus, sons Hank (Marie) Bockus and Andy (Caroline) Bockus, as well as his sister Jane and brother Bruce. He was Pa to his grandchildren Addison, Hudson, Tyson, Anderson, Henry Thomas, and one due in February.
A service in his memory will be held at Crossings Church in Oklahoma City at 10:00 on 9 September.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Lakeside United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
