Chief Master Sergeant Donald Stockhoff, USAF Retired

Chief Master Sergeant Donald D. Stockhoff, USAF Retired, died peacefully in Jacksonville, FL on March 3, 2017.  Chief Stockhoff was born in Coquille, OR on March 29, 1937 to Kenneth G. Stockhoff and Geneva Schaer Stockhoff.  As a teenager he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two brothers.  He was also a champion high diver.  He had an innate talent for all things mechanical that was nurtured by his father, a fireman, and maternal grandfather, a noted blacksmith, which served him well the rest of his life.

He entered the US Air Force in September 1954 after graduating from Medford HS.  In addition to his service in the continental US; he served in Greenland, Korea, Philippines, Hawaii, and Vietnam, where he served several combat tours of duty.  He retired with 27 years of service.  He was decorated for his service by receiving the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

In 1958, he married Ella H. Grace in Honolulu, HI, and they had 3 children.  He loved the ocean and all things Hawaiian.  They were married for 18 years, until her death in 1976.  During his military years, he enjoyed camping with his family, spear fishing, scuba diving, and golfing.

In Feb 1977, he married Barbara G. Hayes, at Griffiss Air Force Base, in Rome, NY. They resided in the Town of Lee, NY, where he was employed as a master mechanic and assistant manager at the Auto Hobby Shop on Griffiss Air Force Base.  He was highly valued for his experience and knowledge in auto mechanics, and was consulted frequently by friends and family across the country requesting his expertise.  He was well known for his ability to diagnose technical issues and translate recommendations in laymen's terms.

He was transferred to Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia where he worked from 1995 - 1999, and then retired.  While in Virginia, he was involved in the Meals On Wheels program, and when they moved to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to family, continued serving this program with Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.  He and Barbara enjoyed their travels east to west, north to south, and all across the United States, as well as travels to Europe.  He enjoyed golfing and was a dedicated backyard bird watcher.

He is survived by his wife Barbara G Stockhoff, his 3 children Cory Stockhoff (Lori) in CA, Ann Stockhoff Pazdra (Larry) in CA, Eric Stockhoff in WA, Barbara's 3 children James Michael Hayes, Jr. (Beth) in NC/CO, David Hayes (Linda) in NY, and Susan Hayes Schmitt (Matt) in Jacksonville, FL, and his eight grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brothers Harold and Ronald, and his grandson Paul Stockhoff.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 10, 2017 in Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to service.