Donald E. Rockey, 87, of rural Bellefonte, formerly of Centre Hall died Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at Mount Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born January 14, 1927 in Pine Hall, a son of the late Andrew C. and Anna Elvira Garner Rockey.
On November 4, 1950 he married Edna Grace Rimmey who preceded him in death October 12, 1999. On February 16, 2007 he married Dorothy L. Owens Barndt Rockey who survives at home.
Mr. Rockey served in the U. S. Army from Nov. 8, 1945 to March 1, 1947 earning a World War II Victory Medal, and a Sharp Shooter Ribbon. He served with the Demonstration and Guard Troop Constabulary 7th Armored Division, achieving the rank of Technician Fifth Grade.
Don was employed by McClellan Chevrolet, R. T. Markle and Harry Cox garage all in State College. In addition he worked at the Warner Company in Bellefonte, and at Hanover brands in Centre Hall. He then went on to work at the Sewer Plant at Penn State University, retiring in 1989.
Mr. Rockey was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ at Tusseyville; and more recently attended Milesburg God’s Missionary Church. He was a life member of American Legion Post 779 at Centre Hall, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1600 in Bellefonte, and a life member of the Pleasant Gap Fire Company. He also was a member of the Centre Hall Fire Company and the National Rifle Association.
Among the things he enjoyed most were gardening, lawn work, hunting, fishing, doing body and mechanical work on cars, and spending time with his family
Surviving him in addition to his wife Dorothy, are two daughters, Mary Johnston (Bruce) of State College and Patricia Bird (Rick) of Bellefonte; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nine step children; twenty four step grandchildren; and twenty one step great grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, four brothers and a great grandson.
Friends will be received from Noon to 2 pm Monday, January 12, 2015, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA. The funeral will follow immediately at 2 pm at the funeral home with the Reverend Michael Hoskins officiating. Burial will be in Meyer Cemetery, Buffalo Run Road, Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to American Legion Post 779, 2928 Penns Valley Pike, Centre Hall, PA 16828 or to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 214 Sinking Creek Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.
An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.