John Howard Rockhold

John Howard Rockhold was born on August 24th, 1932 in Long Beach, California. He was the son of Howard and Nell Rockhold and was the oldest of four brothers. At the age of nineteen, John “alias” Jack was hired by the Douglas Aircraft Company. However, just one year into his employment John began to feel a strong desire to serve his country. He joined the Marine Corps in 1951. John served bravely as a member of the 1st Marine Division, nicknamed “The Old Breed”, fighting in the Korean War from 1952-1953 as an artilleryman. John’s last year in the Marines was spent in beautiful Hawaii. He would often comment about the time spent in Hawaii as a needed respite from more tumultuous times.

Upon discharge from the Marine Corps John moved back to Long Beach, California and returned to his old employer, Douglas Aircraft. It was during this time that John began the most important work of his life, his service to the Lord. As a member of Brethren Christian Church in Long Beach, John was involved with the Soldiers and Sailors Ministry. John drove the streets of Long Beach, filling his VW bus with servicemen who wanted to attend church. He fed to them, played basketball with them and ministered to them.

While on the job, John worked on some of the greatest aircraft ever designed, to include the DC-8, the mighty DC-9, MD-80, and the C-17 Globe Master III. John took great pride in his job and fostered many life-long friendships with co-workers. He was part of, and led, a weekly men’s bible study. In 2010, John finally hung up his working hat and retired. All told, he worked at Douglas/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for 58 years! Several grandfather clocks, which were awarded to employees with many years of service, adorned his home.

Following his retirement from Boeing, John moved with his youngest son’s family to New Orleans, Louisiana. While in New Orleans, John joined Calvary Baptist Church and became an active member of the senior ministry. John’s great desire was to serve his Lord and Savior through the spreading of the Gospel. To that end, he joined Gideons International with the primary activity of distributing The Bible free of charge throughout the world. John visited local churches where he would advocate for donations from the congregation to support bible distribution. He and the local Gideon chapter would visit schools, malls, jails, and even the Angola State Penitentiary to witness and distribute Gods Word.

The final years of John’s life were spent with his grandkids, where he injected his calming, patient, and loving influence into their lives. John contracted COVID-19 in January 2021 and was hospitalized for 40 days. While in the hospital John witnessed to the medical staff, sang hymns aloud, and praised the Lord with every fiber of his being. His faith was infectious and, as a result, John’s son would receive daily updates from the staff talking about his passion and love for the Lord. He was able and strong enough to come home to his family in February. On April 23rd 2021, John Howard Rockhold, 88, went to be with the Lord. A blessing to the family, surrounding Jack in their Maryland home.

He is survived by his son, Mr. William Rockhold of El Paso, New Mexico, son, Mr. Michael Rockhold, San Diego, California, son, Mr. Kenneth Rockhold, Stevensville, Maryland, granddaughter, Ms. Ashley Rockhold, Los Angeles, California, granddaughter, Ms. Mindy Dohner, Long Beach, California, grandson, Mr. Mason Rockhold, San Diego, California by way of USS Aircraft Carrier Theodore Roosevelt, granddaughter, Ms. Kennedy Waller, San Diego, California, grandson, Mr. Grant Rockhold, Stevensville, Maryland, grandson, Mr. Nathan Rockhold, Stevensville, Maryland

Saddleback Chapel is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: John Rockhold Service Time: Jun 1, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 896 3809 0708

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