Oscar “Paul” Dockery

Oscar ‘Paul’ Dockery died on April 18, 2023 at Lenoir Woods Senior Living Community in Columbia, MO, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was 89 years old.

Paul was born in Appalachia, Virginia, on October 16, 1933, and grew up in a Christian family. The family was very musical and the brothers loved playing music together and attending musical events while growing up.

Paul committed his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 18 and followed Him for the rest of his life, wanting to know Jesus and make Him known. Paul used his wonderful singing voice to tell others about Jesus Christ by singing on the radio, leading the singing in multiple churches, participating in choirs and musical productions. He also shared his love for Jesus with his family through song. Paul never lost his love for his Savior nor his love of music.

Paul served the country he loved as a career military officer, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam War and later in Santiago, Chile. After retirement from the military in 1977, he moved to Texas where he worked for A.L. Williams Life Insurance then for the Texas Employment Commission. He and Bonnie moved to Missouri to be closer to family when Paul required triple by-pass surgery.

Paul was a kind, loving and thoughtful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He paid attention to the needs of those around him, reaching out to them in friendship, concern, and help. His smiles, handshakes and winks were enjoyed by those around him, especially his family. He loved his family unconditionally and was a wonderful example of what a man of God should be. Paul’s story isn’t over, and his family isn’t mourning. The family is rejoicing that he is no longer in pain, his mind is restored, and he is singing praises to The King of Kings.

Paul was predeceased by his parents Thomas Burley Dockery, Dona Myrtle Johnson Dockery, and brothers Douglas Merle Dockery and Burnis Winston Dockery. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Bonnie Eutiva Dockery, with whom he shared a blended family of 5 children, Victoria Gustavison, Rebecca Legrand, Paula Inglis, Michael Dockery, and Cindy Baber; along with 18 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Elmer Glenn Dockery.

There will be a memorial service for Paul on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. in the Epple Chapel at Lenoir Woods in Columbia, MO. His burial service, with military honors, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO.