Charles H. "Chuck" Blocher

Charles H. “Chuck” Blocher, age 81, of Ocean Springs, MS, departed this life on November 3, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles H. Blocher, Sr. and Ruth Blocher, his brother and sister-in-law, John Woodward Blocher and Joan Blocher, son Charles H. Blocher, III, mother-in-law Kathleen Schwartz, and son-in-law Robert E. Cote’. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Je’Nell Danielson Blocher, daughters Kathleen “Missy” (Dave Smith) Cote’, and Je’Nell (Mike) Blum, his “adopted” daughter Nancy (Gary) Tucker, son-in-law Ron Gustafson, grandchildren Chad Blocher, Kristi Blocher, Sterling Cote’, Brandelyn Gustafson, Delaney Gustafson, Carli Gustafson, Davis Gustafson, and Michael Blum, Jr., and great-grandchildren Chaddie and Savannah Blocher. He was proud to serve his Country as a member of the United States Air Force. While stationed at Keesler AFB, he met his bride and also fell in love with the Gulf Coast. Following his service with the Air Force, he worked with GE (formerly RCA) Government Services for over thirty years. While stationed at Edwards AFB, he worked extensively with radar systems for the Space Shuttle, including participating in the initial test flights. Later in his career, he was assigned to contracts with the Navy, specializing in the AEGIS weapons systems. He traveled the world, and upon retiring, he moved to his favorite city – Ocean Springs. His cherished pastime, for which he was well known, was being Santa Claus for many causes, although never commercially. His Decembers were dedicated to bringing hope and joy to those in special needs schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and also private parties. He was Ocean Springs’ “own” Santa. In spite of the delight he brought to others, he always claimed that he was the one rewarded the most. He was wrong, as those lucky enough to experience his charismatic personality, particularly while wearing his red suit, will readily attest. His most rewarding experience was visiting Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles on Christmas Day, which he did for many years. He was not playing Santa – he was Santa. All who came in contact with him, young or old, healthy or infirmed, believed in the spirit of Christmas. He was, in a word, magical. For anyone preferring a donation in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601, www.alz.org. The visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. until noon, with the service following at noon, both at the Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe in Ocean Springs, MS. Burial will follow at Southern Memorial Park Cemetery in Biloxi. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff of Odyssey Hospice for their compassionate care.