Obituary of U.S. Navy CDR. Dorance Ochs

Ret. U.S. Navy Commander Dorance "Don" Leland Ochs of Lodi passed away Wednesday September 12, 2007 in a Stockton hospital at the age of 86. Mr. Ochs was born January 19, 1921 in Otis, Kansas to David and Emelie Ochs. Comdr. Ochs began his military career in 1940 and accepted his first commission in 1953 as a specialist in the highly hazardous field of handling, storing and overhauling of U. S. Navy explosive ordnance at the Naval Station San Diego and proudly served his country during WWII, Korean and Viet-Nam Wars and was a survivor of the "Sinking of the Lexington" during the "Battle of the Coral Sea." He retired in 1970 and became very involved in his communities. In La Mesa, California he chaired a Safety Commission, a Bicycle Commission and Credit Union Supervisory Committee. He served as a member of La Mesa?s Advisory Committee, Fire Prevention and Safety Advisory Board and Bicycle Safety Committee. A licensed minister he assisted in the ministry at Faith Fellowship. He served as President and Legislative Chair for AARP#2533, as State Director and Local Coordinator for the Health Advocacy Services for AARP, as member of the Board of Director for the Loel Foundation, Lodi Senior Citizen Commission, San Joaquin County Adult Day Care Committee, Long Term Care Ombudsman Advisory Council as well as member of the San Joaquin County Grand Jury during 1987 and 1988. He was currently affiliated with the Century Assembly of God Church. He was an avid volunteer in community and civic affairs, and enjoyed reading, outdoor activities, camping and fishing. He will be best remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and true friend. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Ella Ochs of Lodi; 2 sons Darwin Ochs and wife Connie of Lancaster; David Ochs of Lake Arrowhead; a daughter Doreen Long and husband Michael of La Mesa; step-son Leslie Love and wife Debbie of Elk, Washington; a sister Donna Kackman of Danville; 9 grandchildren, Jennifer, Heather, Denise, Dustin, Franklin, Sara, David, Emma and Joshua, 7 great grandchildren Jacob, Caylie, Jason, Sydnie, Ashton, Raiden and Ethan. He was preceded in death by a brother Mabry Ochs and a sister Farice Filbert. A chapel Service will be held Monday September 17, 2007, 12:00pm at the Lodi Funeral Home, followed by interment at the Cherokee Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm at the Lodi Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin or on line at www.hospicesj.org