CMSgt Robert W. Ocker, Sr.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell

Our hero, Robert W. Ocker, Sr., 89, Chief Master Sergeant United States Air Force (Ret) of Shippensburg, PA passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 in the Chambersburg Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 22, 1936 in Lurgan Township, he was the eldest of five sons to the late Amos R. and Bertha M. Smith Ocker.

Bob attended Chambersburg area schools and as a teen he worked on local farms and Cressler’s Fruit Market in Shippensburg.

His honorable military career spread over 50 years with the Department of Defense. The first thirty years were spent in active duty with the United States Air Force; earning the rank of E-9 Chief Master Sergeant. Of those 30 years, he was most proud of the 20 spent in the US Air Force Recruiting Service. Following his retirement from active service in 1984, and after a short time in civilian work, he attended the Air Force Community College in Texarkana, TX and obtained his Associates Degree in Management and Logistic Engineering. Following graduation, he worked as a civilian contractor with the Department of Defense at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA before retiring for a second time in 2004.

Other schooling includes education at the Army Logistics Management College in Virginia, Air Force Noncommissioned Academy in Tennessee, Senior Air Force Noncommissioned Academy in Alabama and attending several other colleges and universities in the US and overseas.

Chief Ocker’s active military career began on July 9, 1954 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing his basic training at Sampson AFB, NY. In 1955, he was stationed at Vance AFB, OK with the B25 Aircraft as a Chief Clerk of the 3578th Flight Training Squadron. From 1956 to 1958, he was a member of the Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG) serving in Taiwan. In 1958, he returned stateside to Olmsted AFB in Middletown, PA on Recruiting Duty, followed by an assignment at McGuire AFB , NJ in 1961 with the 3502nd Recruiting Group, where he was the Supervisor of the Operations Recruiting Sales Team for the seven state area. In 1968 and 1969, he served our country in Vietnam with the 483rd Airlift Wing (C7A Aircraft). After Vietnam, he returned to McGuire AFB in New Jersey until 1976 when he was named the Recruiting Operations Superintendent for eastern PA and northern NJ stationed at the New Cumberland Army Depot in Carlisle, PA. In 1978, he was at the Headquarters Pacific Air Force in Hickam AFB, HI as an Executive Officer to three Generals. His final recruiting assignment in 1980 was with Site R in Fort Richie, MD as a First Sergeant and Senior Enlistment Advisor until his retirement on August 20, 1984.

Over his career in the US Air Force, he earned numerous decorations and medals praising his achievements, valor and courage in combat; including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V” device and five oak leaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and 17 other medals and awards.

Chief Ocker was a true gentleman of honor and service to our country but he also gave to his community. He was Commander for Durff-Kuhn VFW Post 6168, an All State Commander and an active member of the Shippensburg VFW Marching Unit and Honor Guard. He was the past President of the Shippensburg Veterans Council and a member of the American Legion Post 223. He was active in the youth sport programs of Shippensburg and at several Air Force bases. He was proud to be a 32nd degree Mason of the Big Spring Masonic Lodge.

After retiring, Bob and Dolores became snow birds; spending the winter months in Winter Haven, FL until stopping their yearly travel south in 2022. He was an active member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Newburg, PA. His faith was strong, but much like him, he expressed his Christian values by his actions as well as his quiet and humble mannerisms. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing and family card nights, he loved sharing those interests with his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dolores A. Disney Ocker whom he married on December 6, 1958 in Hagerstown, MD. They have five children, Theresa R. Boher, Shippensburg, Tawny L. (Jimmy) Joy, Shippensburg, Robert W. Ocker, Jr., Mechanicsburg, Keith A. (Jodi) Ocker, Shippensburg and Karla D. (Colby) Neil, Shippensburg. Nine grandchildren, Ashley M. (Jason) VanScyoc, Joseph S. Boher, Shelby A. Kail, John L. (Sarah) Bouder, Coltan A. (Camryn) Bouder, Elizabeth “Libby” G. (Jackson) Swartz, Zachary R. Ocker, Nathan K. (Kelsey) Ocker and Caleb A. Ocker. Seven Great Grandchildren, Shana N. Dubbs, Taylor R. VanScyoc, Jocelyn R. VanScyoc, Quinton R. Kail, Emma S. Kail, Emmett R. Bouder and Krew T. Ocker as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers, Alfred R. Ocker, Ray E. Ocker, Kenneth L. Ocker, Sr., and Ronald D. Ocker.

Memorial donations can be made in Bob’s name to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 15634 Paxton Run Road, Newburg, PA 17240.

A Celebration of Life service honoring the life of CMSgt Robert W. Ocker, Sr. will be held at Otterbein United Methodist Church on Monday, April 28th at 11:00 am, officiated by Pastor Christina Moyer. A luncheon is to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. A private family graveside service with military honors conducted by the Minutemen of the American Legion Post #223 will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery in Shippensburg.