SMSgt Retired Robert Freemont Van Nocken

Robert was born at home in Lamb’s Creek, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 1934 to Harry and Dorothy (Bailey) Van Nocken. He grew up in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, living with his father and grandmother following his parents divorce when he was a young boy. They were poor, so he would work in the neighbors dairy farm before and after school to help support them. When he wasn’t working, learning, or making mischief, he was spending his time playing baseball. His family called him Bobby but he was affectionately known as Bonehead to friends. He never told us why; it’s ultimately left to our imagination. After he graduated high school, he decided it was time to leave Mansfield behind and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Unfortunately, he became incredibly seasick and was discharged before completing his training. Not letting that hinder him, he made the wise choice of enlisting into the U.S. Air Force.

In 1954, Robert, or Van as his military buddies called him, made his way to Fort Drum outside Watertown, New York for training. While there, he and his friends made their way to a local bar in Watertown, New York where he caught the eye of a local beauty named Carol. According to Robert, he was too dumb to ask her to marry him so she had to take the bold step and ask him…thus sealing their fate and beginning a love story that spanned 59 years. He would tell us that she saved him from either becoming an alcoholic like his father or dying young. During their marriage, the Air Force took them and their 4 children to Newfoundland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Japan, and Mississippi. Robert finished up his military career and retired at Keesler AFB. He liked the Mississippi Gulf Coast because it was warm and he hated snow. He use to joke that if it ever snowed regularly on the coast then he would move the family farther south.

Robert was an avid golfer and would be found at the golf course every Saturday morning. He was an amazing whistler. He dabbled in making ceramics; a craft he learned during a remote assignment to Iceland. He loved sitting on his swing in the backyard, under the sweet gum tree. He watched golf every weekend and was a die hard New Orleans Saints fan. He enjoyed the occasional cigar while drinking an Old Milwaukee beer or sipping a shot of bourbon. He was a huge fan of Heart and the Eagles. He loved his family to the moon and back. He gave every one of the kids a nickname that he lovingly called them. He helped raise 4 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter when their fathers decided to be deadbeats. He was PaPaw, Pop, or Grandad to his grands and greats. He was our rock, our hero, our constant and there will never be another like him.

Robert, 91-years-old (13 days shy of his 92), died on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at his home in Ocean Springs, MS surrounded by his family whom he loved. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Carol; his eldest son, Steven; his parents; his sister, Beverly, and his brother, Gary.

He is survived by his daughters Sherri Willis and Cathy (Rick) Berry and son, Richard, all of Ocean Springs, MS; 7 grandchildren - Steven, David, Summer, Jennifer, Robert, Richie, and Michael; and 9 great-grandchildren - Taryn, Noah, Brayden, Dayla, Kaitlyn, Colten, Lydia, Daxton, and Aliya. He is also survived by his grand dog, Khaleesi, and cat, Dexter.

There are no current plans for a memorial service. A private rememberance and celebration of life will be held by his family in the near future. In lieu of flowers or trees, please spend quality time with your elderly parents or grandparents. Cherish them, hold their hands, reminisce about great memories, be patient with them as they were with you, and most importantly, love them today while they are still with you. Rest easy in the arms of Jesus. Until we meet again in Heaven, we will forever miss you on Earth. We love you Daddy! 

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of SMSgt Retired Robert Freemont Van Nocken.