Robert Dale Shockley, 89, passed away peacefully at home, on May 16, 2025. Robert (Bob) was born in Chinook, Montana to Noble Wilson Shockley and Jennie Ethel (Richmond) Shockley. Bob spent his younger years on the family farm north of Chinook where his love for horses began.
He enlisted in the National Guard in 1952 and joined the Air Force in 1954 receiving Honorable Discharge from active service in 1958. He remained in the Reserves until 1960. While stationed at Ellsworth Airforce Base, near Rapid City, SD, he met and married Patsy Leann Colvin. To this union they added Rob, Kim, and Lori, eventually moving the family to Lusk, WY.
He never lost his love for horses, enjoying team roping for many years until he was no longer able to ride. He and Patsy relocated to Cody, WY, where he was able to focus on other interests such as boating, and fishing on the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, gardening and canning pickles, and maintaining an immaculate yard with beautiful flowers. After time spent in Cody, he and Patsy moved back to Rapid City, SD, where he spent his final years.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patsy, son Robert (Tracy), daughters Kimmy Sommers, and Lori Fields, and brother Richard Shockley (Alice).
Grandchildren: A.W. Manning (Rachel), Amanda Moore (John), Dana Tescher (Dustin), Cara Sommers (Allen), Jessica Mills (Tony), Danielle White (John), Barbara Lynn Shockley.
17 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Noble and Jennie Shockley, brother John Shockley, and sisters Grace Morrison, Marilyn Allen, and infant Laura Shockley, son-in-law Charles Sommers
Please send memorials to: The National Kidney Foundation.
Cremation has taken place with Behrens Wilson Funeral Home & Crematory. A Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date. Inurnment to be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
