Donald A. Ocker, age 75, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. He was born on January 19, 1941 to Mary and Arnold Ocker in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Ocker family, a long time farming and ranching family, came to Texas from Germany in 1845. Don was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Ray High School in 1959. He served in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, where he graduated with a degree in agricultural economics in 1963. Don's love for Texas A&M and the Fighting Texas Aggies was a formative part of his character, where he was instilled with the Aggie camaraderie and a sense of duty to country.

He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant upon graduation and served in the Army; fulfilling tours in Korea and Vietnam. He loved the Army and was a natural leader. He would have made it his career but family responsibilities called him home to Texas to run Bar D River Ranch farming and ranching operation.

Don was a committed Christian and devoted member of Annaville Baptist Church. Don served on several mission trips with Salt Lick Ministries and Pastor Bubba Stahl, working with farmers in Uganda to help improve agricultural techniques; thereby increasing food production. His love for Christ and desire to share the gospel became a driving force.

Don had great passion for the land and agriculture. He served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Gulf Compress, and as a board member of Chapman Ranch Gin, Gulf Coast Co-Op, Valco, South Texas Cotton and Grain, Corpus Christi Grain Exchange, Nueces Co-Op Gin, Southern Cotton Growers Association. He was Chairman of the Board of Nueces Soil and Water Conservation District. He ran Bar-D-River Ranch farming operation his whole life, together with his brother Richard Ocker, his son David Ocker and his nephew, Cameron Ocker. Don was driving a tractor and working cattle from his early teens until just a few weeks ago. He served in the trust department as a farm and ranch consultant for various banking entities.

Don was devoted to his family and wife, Priscilla Ocker and his children, Jennifer Ocker Lee, Donnell Ocker Roy and David Ocker, and his stepson, Tandy Wilkerson. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Hamilton Lee (16), Frances Lee (14), Madilyn Ocker (8), Henry Ocker (4) and Barrett Ocker (1). He spent many hours attending soccer matches for Hamilton and ballet performances for Frances. One of the greatest honors of his life was when his grandson Hamilton earned his rank of Eagle Scout.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Mary Ocker, his grandparents, Frank and Mathilde Ocker and Henderson and Analie Peaster. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Carleton Ocker, and his three children, Jennifer Ocker Lee (Monty Lee) Donnell Ocker Roy (Thomas Roy), David Ocker (Mary Catherine Ayers Ocker), and stepson, Tandy Wilkerson. Don is also survived by his brother, Richard Ocker (Gail Hoss Ocker), nephews Cameron Ocker (Carol Hartmann Ocker), Colin Ocker (Liette Bellerive Ocker) and numerous cousins.

Visitation will be held at Seaside Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas on Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Friday, May 13, 2016, also at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel at 1:30 p.m., with Interment to follow.

Pallbearers include: David Ocker, Tandy Wilkerson, Monty Lee, Thomas Roy, Hamilton Lee, Cameron Ocker, Colin Ocker and Jack Hirschmann.

Honorary pallbearers include lifelong friends that were so dear to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Annaville Baptist Church missionary work (4025 Violet Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410)

To view Tribute, please visit www.corpuschristifh.com

Originally published Wednesday, May 11, 2016