Wendell Shockley

1932-2021

Posted

Wendell Ray Shockley, 88, Bland, died Monday Jan. 11, 2021, at Frene Valley in Owensville after a recent fall and other complications in addition to Covid.

He was born Dec. 26, 1932, near Vichy, the son of Jesse and Ida (Pohl) Shockley. 

After graduating Belle High School in 1950, he began working for Western Electric Company prior to serving in the U.S. Army.

Wendell married Mary (Dollarhide) Shockley who survives him in Independence. They are the parents of Scott Shockley of White Lake, Mich., and Lisa Orrick of Independence. He is also survived by one sister, Janice Gallagher of Belle; and one granddaughter, Jane Marie Orrick, also of Independence; and many nieces and a nephew and their families.  

Wendell married Mary Lou (Dobbs) Shockley, Sept. 23, 1974.  They were married until her death, Aug. 31, 2008.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Wendell resumed his position with Western Electric working in many cities across the U.S. until his retirement in 1981.  He suffered hearing loss from a young age that later resulted in total deafness. He connected to the world through closed caption technology allowing him to watch television and speak directly on the telephone. When Mary Lou retired from Southwestern Bell they moved from Kansas City to the family farm near Bland in 1994. He was an avid automobile enthusiast and enjoyed family vacations at many car shows each year.  They attended Indianapolis 500, and spent February in Daytona, Fla., for speed week and NASCAR races.  He and Mary Lou hosted car show events for family and friends at their home.

A private family service has been planned.

Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Bland.