Howard Rockhill's Obituary
Howard Wesley Rockhill, son of Howard P. and Gladys Jackson Rockhill, was born April 28, 1918, in Brazil, Indiana. He departed this life Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Houston House, in Houston, Missouri, at the age of ninety-three years, eight months, and twenty-one days. On December 27, 1951, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Irene Thrailkill, and to this union one daughter was born. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Rebecca, on October 5, 2009. Howard is survived by a daughter, Mary Jane Lybyer, and her husband, Mike, of Huggins, Missouri; a grandson, Pat Lybyer, of Carroll, Iowa; a brother, Harry Rockhill, and his wife, Betty, of Speedway, Indiana; two nieces; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in Indiana, where he graduated from high school. He then attended Butler University for two years. As a young man, Howard entered the United States Army and served from October 8, 1941 until December 29, 1945. He was stationed in Okinawa and in Alaska, during part of World War II. He was then called back into the Army on September 22, 1950, and served during the Korean War until being honorably discharged on September 23, 1951. While being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he met Rebecca, and they were married shortly after he was discharged. They made their home on the family farm, near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their daughter. Howard worked as a civil service employee at Fort Leonard Wood in the household division for a number of years, retiring as a supervisor in 1980. Howard had professed his faith in Christ and was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon. He was a member of the Laclede County Masonic Lodge # 83 A.F. & A.M. of Lebanon for over fifty years, and also belonged to the Shrine Club. He was a member of the Eastern Star and the Brazil, Indiana Elks Lodge. He and Rebecca enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed spending time with their grandson. Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them throughout the years.
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