Lt. Col. Thomas D. Stockwell's Obituary
Thomas Durward Stockwell, Jr., age 90, died on Monday, December 7, 2009 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA.
A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Lt. Col. Stockwell lived in Mandeville for the past 34 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Reeves Stockwell, parents, Myrtle Garatie and Thomas D. Stockwell, Sr. and one sister, Patricia. He is survived by his daughter Becky Rutkowski of Hackettstown, NJ, son Mark Stockwell of Mandeville, LA. and granddaughter, Amy Cooke of Chatham, NJ.
In 1941 he enlisted in the US Navy and upon completion of flight training, became a US Marine Corps fighter pilot. During WWII he served in combat in the South Pacific and in California as a combat instructor. During the Korean War he switched to infantry and after 24 years of service, retired from the Marine Corp as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1964. After his retirement from the Marine Corps, he returned to Baton Rouge and worked for Microtech as the plant manager. Later he was employed by Gulf South Research Institute as a field researcher. During that time he completed his degree at LSU that was interrupted by his service in the Marine Corps. Upon moving to Mandeville in 1975, he started a boat documentation service. A lifelong boating enthusiast, he had been a member of the Ponchartrain Yatch Club since 1976. He was also a long time member of the Marine Corps Association and the Military Officers Association of America.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the graveside service at Mandeville Mausoleum on Montgomery St. between Jackson Ave. and Foy St. at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 12, 2009. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross, Southeast LA Chapter, 2640 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119.
What’s your fondest memory of Col.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Col.?
Share a story where Col.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Col. you’ll never forget.
How did Col. make you smile?