Obituary of Charles M. Dockery

“Doc” Doc passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the University of Washington Medical Center after a courageous battle. He has always been a warrior and fought hard, it was just not to be this time. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Linda (Kelso); Son Michael; Daughter Margaret (John) Sanborn; two brothers Tim (Kathy) and Jeff (Molly) Doss; 5 grandchildren, Austin Dockery-Middleton, Tahney, Hayden, Robert and Matilda Sanborn; 11 nieces and nephews; numerous extended family and friends. Doc was predeceased by his Father, Charles M. Dockery, Sr. and his Mother Ruby (Deck) Ware. Doc was a Senior Corpsman with the US Navy and served with the US Marine Corps, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, India Company. He was wounded serving with I-39 at the battle of Getlin’s Corner on Hill 70 in Vietnam on March 30, 1967. The injuries he received did not stop him from attempting to help the Marines he promised to serve and protect. He was a courageous warrior that defended our freedoms next to some of the best Marines to ever serve. His Brothers meant more to him than the average person will ever understand. The sacrifices made by Doc and his Brothers will never be forgotten and we will be forever grateful. After Vietnam, Doc graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1974 in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. He worked as a forensic therapist in mental health before his retirement in 1992. Doc lived his life to the fullest with courage, compassion and honor. He was active in the community as a member of Explorer Search and Rescue, Pierce County 4x4 Search and Rescue, Pointman Veterans Group, and was an active board member of the Tapps Island Homeowners Association. Doc was also a member of Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Association, and the National Rifle Association. He was also a past member of the Washington State Prosthetics Board and a prior board member of Pierce County Search and Rescue (SAR). Doc’s smile, never ending dry sense of humor, strength and dedication will be missed by many. He amazed everyone, including hundreds of doctors, with his tenacity, courage and strength. His love of life, the lessons he shared, and the strength he passed on will be forever remembered and treasured. We are all fortunate to have received the dedication and love shown to his family, friends and Marine Brothers. Inurnment is 11:15am Friday, December 11, 2009 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St. Kent, WA with Marine Honor Guard. Memorial Service is at 4pm at Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way South, Auburn, Washington. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/n/?pages%2FCharles-Doc-Dockery%2F359212935716&mid=185e201G5a7fb081G1130389G4c Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.