Howard Gilbert Bock, 87, lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, May 11, 2009.

Bock was a teacher, coach and administrator 32 years in the Cape Girardeau public schools. He also served his community in the areas of Cub Scouting, boys baseball leagues, service clubs and church activities.

Receiving his early education at Washington and Central High schools, Bock went on to serve five years with the U.S. Air Force in the European Theater. As an engineer gunner on a B-26 bomber, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, five air medals, American Defense Medal and campaign ribbons (Battle of Europe, Battle of the Rhineland and Battle of Ardennes-The Bulge).

Returning to his hometown, Howard enrolled in Southeast Missouri State College, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree in education. His first teaching post was at Esther Junior High in Missouri, where he taught science and physical education and coached basketball, baseball and track.

Bock joined the Cape Girardeau system in 1951, teaching science and physical education in junior high and coaching athletics. His early assignments were at Lorimier and May Greene schools and Schultz Junior High. In 1954 he joined the faculty at Central High, teaching biology and science, and served as chairman of the science department. As adviser of the science and photography clubs, he promoted student interest in the Regional Science Fair at the SEMO campus.

Continuing his education, Bock attended the University of Missouri, receiving a master's degree in education. In 1967 he moved from the classroom to administration and organized and directed the Media Center for the local district, serving until his retirement in 1982.

Additionally, Bock held offices with educational affiliates. He was secretary of the Southeast Missouri District Department of Science Teachers; president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the Southeast Missouri Association for Educational Communication and Technology; and a member of the board of directors of Missouri AECT and the Eastern Missouri Film Co.

Other professional organizations include National Education Association, Missouri State Teachers Association, Cape Girardeau Community Teachers, National Science Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa and the Webster Society on the SEMO campus.

As father of three sons, Howard became involved in Cape Girardeau's Boy Scout program and boys baseball leagues. He shared his time with many other boys in his dual role as Cubmaster of Troop 8, Trinity Lutheran Church, and as manager of Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams.

Community service includes Bock's four years as a Cape Girardeau Jaycee, serving on the board of directors and as a committee member to plan and construct the Jaycee Municipal Golf Course. A member of Hidden Valley Fishing Club, he served on the board of directors 31 years, elected as secretary, vice president and president. He was a volunteer driver with the Cape Girardeau Senior Center.

Serving his church has been an important part of this Girardean's life. As a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel, he was the congregation's second president and has served on boards of elders, education and stewardship, as well as the ushering staff. For many years, he has been one of the congregation's representatives on the Lutheran Home Board and was a member of the Men's Club.

Prior to joining Good Shepherd, Howard was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent and was a member of its Men's Club.

He was born Oct. 27, 1921, in Cape Girardeau, to Adolph and May Cobble Bock. He was married May 21, 1950, to Jo Ann Burton at Trinity Lutheran Church, by the Rev. Walter Melzer.

He is survived by Jo Ann; their sons, Burton and Bradley Bock of Cape Girardeau, Brian Bock of Oakville, Mo.; daughters-in-law, Deborah Harding Bock of Cape Girardeau, Bonnie Vandeven Bock of Oakville; a brother, Leo Bock of Cape Girardeau; a sister-in-law, Kathryn Jolls of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Nathan (Janessa) Bock of Houston, Adam Bock of Oakville, Amanda Bock (Wes) Calhoun of Altenburg-Frohna, Mo.; and two stepgrandchildren, James and Megan Staufenbiel of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Alma Bock Wallis; and brothers, Parker and Paul Bock.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel, with the Rev. William Matzat officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family requests memorials to Cape Girardeau Senior Center, Saxony Lutheran High School or Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel.