John Richard "Rick" Gockel, 45, of Mt. Vernon formerly of Fairfield Bay, Ark, died 11:14 p.m. Jan. 4, 2001 at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital.

Mr. Gockel was employed by Alexander Wholesale Co. for 23 years until failing health and was in the telephone sales department.

He was born Aug. 17, 1955 to John Robert Gockel and Marianne (Friend) Holdman, who both survive.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday and per request of Mr. Gockel his remains will be cremated following the funeral services and the cremated remains will be buried at a later date in Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

He is survived by his mother, Marianne Holdman of Fairfield Bay, Ark; his father, John R. Gockel and wife Elsie of Mt. Vernon; a brother, Terry Lee Gockel and wife Sherry of McCallaster, Okla; a stepbrother, Randy Lowery of Mt. Vernon; several nieces and nephews; and aunts and uncles. Mr. Gockel was a born-again Christian and attended the First Christian Church in Fairfield Bay Ark. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert E. Gockel; and his grandparents.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Hughey Funeral Home where you may call at 242-3348 for information at any time.

Submitted by: Misty Flannigan - July 5,2001