Zack Stockett

Zack L. Stockett, Lt. Col., USAF, (Retired) was born on January 24, 1931 to William A. Stockett and Ocie V. Stockett at Gladesville, West Virginia. He died at his home in Mountain Green, Utah on October 22, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.

Because of the Depression, his family spent the early years of his life moving from place to place, wherever his father could find work.  After many moves, the family bought a small farm near Morgantown, West Virginia. Zack graduated from University High School in 1948 and studied two years at West Virginia University studying aeronautical Engineering. He took his first plane ride at age 15 in an old bi-wing, open cockpit WWI type plane and was hooked on flying from then on. His first flying lessons were on an old “J” type Piper Cub and an early model Cessna.

He enlisted in the Air Force during the early years of the Korean War. He completed and graduated at or near the top of his class in navigator, pilot and later helicopter pilot training. He loved flying and during his career flew many different types of planes from single engine prop and jets to twin and multi engine transports. He flew many types of helicopters including the H-19, 21, 43 (one other) and the  CH-3B. He accumulated more than 9000 hours of flying time and visited many countries in Europe and Asia. He spent time flying in the Arctic and had a six month tour in the Antarctic and New Zealand during “Operation Deep Freeze 62.” He served in Korea in 1952, Vietnam and Thailand from 1964-1965 and Vietnam from 1966-1967. The last assignment in Vietnam was as commander of a helicopter rescue detachment. Zack saved many lives in his work as a rescue pilot. He was a highly decorated pilot and received many recognitions for his service.

His military service brought him to Tooele, Utah, where he met the love of his life, Jewell Blackburn. They were married in 1955 and in 1960 their marriage was solemnized in Mesa Arizona Temple.  Zack and Jewell welcomed six children over the next two decades as Zack continued his military service. Zack was a devoted husband and father who always put the needs of others before his own. He was dedicated to providing for his family and worked hard from a very young age to do so.  He was extremely generous and was always finding opportunities to bless and help others with the resources he had been blessed with.  Zack loved gardening and always looked forward to the first ripe tomatoes and corn of the year.  Zack loved the outdoors and fishing the beautiful streams of Utah and other western states.

After Zack joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he served faithfully in many ways throughout the world and shared the gospel through his words and deeds. Together Zack and Jewell taught their children about Heavenly Father and His plan of happiness and that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we can return to our heavenly home to be with our families and those we love.  Serving a full-time service mission with Jewell for the church in Independence, Missouri brought him so much happiness.  His example of faith and true discipleship has been and will continue to be a great blessing to his children, grandchildren and all those whose lives he touched.

Zack is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 67 years, Jewell, his children; Ted (Marilyn), daughter-in-law JoAnne, Julia Feeman, Alan (Debbie), David (Michelle), and Carol (Chad) Wilkinson.  He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 29 (+2 on the way) great grandchildren.  Zack is also survived by his sister Carol and brother-in-law Phillip Strahin of Houston Texas.  Zack was preceded in death by his son Neal Stockett.

Viewings will be held from 6-8:00 pm on Friday October 28, 2022 and 9:30-10:30am Saturday October 29, 2022 at the Highlands Chapel 5378 West Old Highway Road, Mountain Green, Utah.     Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday October 29, 2022 at 11:00 am.