Chester Orvill "Chet" Bockus

Chester Orvill “Chet” Bockus, 95, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, died Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Holmes Lake Manor in Lincoln. Chet was born November 28, 1921, to Charles O. and Ethel (Shiers) Bockus at Kearney, Nebraska. When he was a small child, his parents moved south of Maxwell on Bignell Hill in a sod house. Most of his young life was spent around the North Platte area. It was during his high school years that he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior. Chet entered the Army Air Corps on July 2, 1942, and served in the European Theater during WWII, being honorably discharged on November 29, 1945. In October, 1945, Chet married Vivian Stackhouse at Maxwell, Nebraska. They were blessed with two sons, Larry and Darrell. In 1947 they moved to Lexington where Chet worked for Pat’s Booterie, and Coast-to-Coast. In 1952, they went to the New Tribes Mission Training School in California and on to the Republic of Panama in 1953, where they were able to open up a new mission field for New Tribes Mission. After returning to Lexington, Chet worked for Monroe Auto Equipment, retiring in 1987. Chet was an active member of the Lexington Berean Church at the time of his death and had served on its board for several years. He first joined the Berean Fellowship in North Platte in 1945. Survivors include two sons: Larry D. (Valerie) Bockus (New Tribes Mission) now living in Lincoln, and Darrell L. Bockus of Minnesota; six grandchildren: Heidi (Corey) Simmons; Ruben (Maria) Bockus; Lydia Bockus; Sarah (Tom) Oja; Rachel Bockus; and Elizabeth (Warren) Johnson; nine great-grandchildren: Eirwen and Annwyl Bockus; Simon and Samuel Simmons; Elijah, Nadia, and Eliana Johnson; and Eden and Hannu Oja. He also has many beloved nieces & nephews. Chet was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willie and Charles; and two sisters, Nettie Bockus and Flora Miller. It was Chet’s wishes for cremation. There will be no visitation. A Graveside Memorial Celebration will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Berean Church Mission Fund. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences, please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.