Donald L. Stockum

Donald L. “Spike” Stockum passed away in his sleep last Monday morning, December 18, 2017, at 7:30 in the morning.  Don was the second child of Florence E. and Emmett L. Stockum, born on September 3, 1924.  Don was 93 years old.  He is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Ann L. Stockum (Given), a New Concord girl who took the train all the way to San Francisco, California in 1946 to marry him; sister Reba Lilley (Courtney), and sister-in-law MaryAnn Stockum (Alfred)); children Sally Kraly (John), David L. Stockum, and Robert W. Stockum; granddaughters, Jennifer Ey (Carl), Carrie Freed (David), Laura Lee (Bryan), and Betsy Tacderan (Jayme); grandsons, Michael Stockum, Benjamin Stockum, and William Stockum; great granddaughters, Madison and Reese Knox - Lee, Sidney and Morgan Freed, and Madalynn Tacderan; and great grandson Kolten Tacderan; as well as numerous nephews and cousins that he dearly loved.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, George and Alfred.

Don graduated from New Concord High School in 1942 where he excelled in football, basketball, and track, Muskingum College (undergraduate degree in 1949) where he also played football and was a member of the STAG fraternity) and the Ohio State University (Master's degree in 1953). During the years of 1942-1947, he served his country in the U.S. Navy. Don received his Naval training at Ohio Wesleyan College and Notre Dame University.  He served in the United States Navy during World War II and saw action in the Pacific Theater where he received a Battle Star and four commendations.  Following the War, he returned to New Concord and started a career in education that lasted 29 years. He began as a teacher and coach, then became a principal and later a superintendent of schools in various Ohio schools (East Muskingum Schools, the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Schools and the West Jefferson Schools).  As a head footballcoach, he led the New Concord Little Muskies Football Team to an undefeated, untied and unscored upon season in 1956.  He was also inducted into both the Academic and Athletic Halls of Fame for New Concord High School.  As a superintendent, he oversaw the construction of John Glenn and Lorain Brookside High Schools.  Upon retirement, he and Ann returned to New Concord where he served as principal at New Concord Elementary and later joined his friend George Graham at HGT Insurance working as a realtor.  His later years were spent in Gahanna and Lancaster where he and Ann could be close to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, served in a number of charitable organizations throughout the years, and was recognized as “Man of the Year” in both New Concord and Sheffield Lake.

Please consider making any memorial contributions in Don’s name to the Pickering House, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

At his request, Don will be cremated and his ashes buried in the family plot of the New Concord Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Reception will take place from 1 to 3 pm, on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord, 63 West Main Street, New Concord, Ohio.  Full Military Honors will be presented by the Guernsey County Veterans Council.

www.farusfh.com

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