MSG John Sockel

MSG John Sockel was born January 8, 1928, in Springfield, Illinois. He died on September 1, 2009, at his residence in Kempner, Texas.

MSG Sockel served his country in the United States Army, retiring July 31, 1973, having achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. His military decorations included the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge.

Funeral services were held for MSG Sockel on Friday, September 18, at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas. Patriot Guard Riders rode their motorcycles to the funeral home and stood in a line with American flags to honor this veteran.

After the funeral, the Riders lead the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line around the committal shelter to envelope the family and friends in American flags. Full military honors were rendered, taps was played and the honor guard folded the American flag and presented it to Mrs. Sockel.

The family placed the urn containing MSG Sockel’s remains into a niche of the columbarium, on the wind-swept hill of the cemetery.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, son, brother and numerous other family and friends.