John Brockes

96 year old John Thomas Brockes, Sergeant Major, US Army Retired, former Cascade County "public" servant, and 75 year Great Falls resident was called home the morning of December 19, 2016.John Thomas Brockes was born in Salem, Missouri, worked at a variety of farms in the region in those days and moved from farm to farm as a live in, not uncommon in that time period. In 1938, John enlisted in the Army Air Corps, quickly rose in rank to Sergeant and became a valued leader in a newly formed Engineering Battalion. He served in Africa during the later stages of the WWII. Later served in the Korean conflict and became a POW in Korea for 26 months. In 1965, John retired from the Army and returned home to Great Falls. He took several different jobs initially while adjusting to civilian life and finally joined the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company where he worked until he was recalled by the Army in 1968 and sent to Vietnam for 14 months. Upon his return, John and family finished his service at Ft. Polk, LA and returned to Great Falls once again. John was the recipient of many military medals and honors, including 2 Purple Hearts. John worked for Cascade County for more than 10 years and finally retired once again from "public" service in 1982.John and Frances resided on High Street in Great Falls until failing health prompted them to move to an assisted living home in Cody, WY. After Frances passed in 2014, John longed to be close to friends in Great Falls and moved to Park Place in 2015 where he resided until his passing.He leaves great memories for his family and friends and to many he met along the way. We shall all miss you very much.John was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Frances Loretta Brockes; 3 brothers, Bill Brockes, Walter Sturgeon and John Samuel Sturgeon (step-brothers).He is survived by his sister, Lettie Roush who resides in Fairview Heights, IL; his loving children, John T. Brockes Jr. of St. Petersburg, FL, David M. (Mellissa) Brockes of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Marleah D. (Rocky) Lehman of Cody, WY; 5 grandchildren, MaryAnn (James) Sturgell, David (Kim) Brockes Jr., Shawna (Jason) Beekley, John Roger (Lehman) Smith and fianc Ricki Martin, and Matthew Brockes; 7 great-grandchildren, Carol (Mike) Colt, Jea Curtis (Amy) Sturgell, Jonathon and Nicole Brockes, Madison and Carrie Beekley, and Blake Smith; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Dixie and Ryan Colt.A memorial service will be planned at a later date when family and friends will be able to gather and celebrate the memories we have to cherish.