Charles J. Searock, Jr.

Charles J. Searock, Jr.

1936-2015

Searock, CharlesCharles J Searock, Jr., Lieutenant General, USAF (retired), age 78, died March 3, 2015 in Oklahoma City. “Charlie,” was born July 17, 1936 in Easton, PA and spent most of his youth in Nazareth, PA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in general education from the University of Nebraska, Omaha in 1962 and a master’s degree in management from Central Michigan University in 1975. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1963, Air Command and Staff College in 1973 and the Army War College in 1976.

Lt. Gen Searock was a decorated Vietnam Veteran who began his military career in 1954 as a member of the California National Guard. He entered active duty in 1956 as an aviation cadet. During the majority of his military career, he served in the Strategic Air Command. Early in his career, he was assigned to the Pentagon as a member of the Air Staff, and he served as Assistant for Plans to the Military Assistant to the President at the White House. He also served in Headquarters United States European Command as well as several years in the Air Force Logistics Command. During this time he was assigned as the Vice Commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Charlie served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and later became the Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He was a command pilot with more than 7,000 flying hours. He served as a KC-97 pilot, B-52 pilot and FB-111 pilot. He flew 152 B-52 combat missions during the Vietnam War as a Senior Command Pilot. He retired from active duty military service in 1993 after almost 37 years in the Air Force and two years in the Army National Guard. At the time of his death he maintained his currency as a commercial multi-engine instrument-rated pilot and was a Civil Air Patrol pilot.

Life after retirement for Lt. Gen Searock had been very active. He was CEO/president and a member of the board of directors of Dynasil Corporation. He also spent four years in the general aviation industry as the Air Victory Museum’s original director. Charlie was very active and a life member in the Civil Air Patrol. He was also involved with Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program and a member in the Sooner Model A Club. Charlie was a member, volunteer, and sang in the choir at St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

One of the most important aspects and joys of Charlie’s life was his family. He was a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. His wisdom, guidance, wise counsel, and love of country will be missed by all who knew him. He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, a passion he passed from his own father to his sons and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Grace (Todora) Searock; and brother, Steve Searock. He is survived by his wife, Ann (Brackeen) Searock; children, Michael Searock (Elizabeth) of Midwest City, OK; Matthew Searock of Cape Neddick, ME; Patrick Searock, Ft. Collins, CO and W. Adam Searock of Edmond, OK; 11 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother John Searock (Mary ) of Burbank, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and interment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. – In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. www.dav.org; Disabled American Veterans PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.

13 thoughts on “Charles J. Searock, Jr.”

  1. James C. & Jeanene Barnes

    Having known Charles these last few years has been a pleasure. Jeanene and I know he will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers are with Ann and the family during this time of sorrow.

  2. Anne Ogger

    I will miss Charlie. He was such an outgoing person and I always enjoyed talking to him at church. Charlie will be missed by family and friends. My sympathies go out to the family and my prayers are with Ann and her family at this time of sorrow. May God be with all of you.

  3. I have know Charlie since 2009 we are work on project russian airplane IL78 in Texas and Michigan
    I call him dad and I so sad we are lost greatest person, ….it is not enough words ,it is a pain
    We are newer forget you my General . Ann ,Adam William i’ll praying ….

  4. General we will miss our meetings at Warren’s, but I will always have your wisdom to rely on thanks for a great career and service to your country.

  5. David J. Fraser

    I had great respect for his leadership and mentorship…as a Commander, there were few that surpassed him

  6. Jack and Anne Dearborn

    Dear Ann and Family,

    We so enjoyed meeting and being around you and Charles. He was a very approachable and friendly man who made us feel welcome in your home. He was very interesting when sharing his interests and stories.

    We were very sorry to hear of his passing. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Jack and Anne Dearborn
    Paris, TX

  7. Paula Frickey

    Rest in peace, General Searock, you were the BEST of the BEST in Strategic. Air Command and 380th. Bomb Wing, Plattsburgh AFB, NY. May God bless and comfort your family and lived ones, sir.

  8. Joe Hunt III

    Hi Aunt Ann,

    It’s been a long time but you both were always Uncle Chuck and Aunt Ann to the Hunt brothers during our years at McCoy when Dad and Uncle Chuck sat across from each other in the 52.

    Daddy Joe passed back 2002 which is hard to believe and Mom (Winnie) passed back in 2010, both in the month of December. So we surely miss them and remember them both every Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    So I was very sorry to hear of Uncle Chucks passing and have fond memories of you and Mom and him and Dad hanging out together. I know it has to be very hard on you and your family. You know we have old pictures taken of Mike, Matt, and Pat from back then and always remember those times.

    You’re in my thoughts. Love, Joe III

    1. Joe,

      So happy to hear from you. Thank you for your condolence.

      I have wanted to get in touch with you but did not have an address.

      Please let me know how everyone is doing. We always had such wonderful times together, still talk about the good ole days with the Hunt Family often. Still miss your Mom and Dad so much.

      Still in touch with Connie Webb. She moved to Georgetown, Texas near Austin to be near Katie, her granddaughter and family.

      Hope to hear from you soon. Love and Hugs to you and your brothers!!

      Aunt Ann

  9. Paul Giordano

    Sir, remember you from Plattsburgh Air Force Base Civil Engineering Squadron, Rest In Peace.

  10. Bryan Jividen

    I was a new Airman who just arrived at the airport for my training at Offutt AFB. My bags were bumped and were to arrive later. He was at the airport as well arriving himself. He noticed me in my blues looking at a map, while he was in civilian clothes. He introduced himself to me and asked what I was doing. Told him of my bag situation and that I was waiting for them to get there. He said nonsense, let them be delivered. He offered me a ride to the base no hesitation. As a General, he had a driver waiting. He told me all about his time he had spent in NE. while driving to the base. Once he was dropped off to his place once we got onto the base, he told the driver to take me wherever I needed to go and make sure I was taken care of. That is a memory I’ll never forget. He was so kind and generous and went out of his way for a new airman. He most certainly did not have to go out of his way like he did for me. Such a kind soul. Thank you General…

  11. Thomas Verreault Jr

    I type this in memory of my father who served under General Searock at Plattsburgh first in the 70s-80s and was sent back again by the general as his hatchet man to straighten out the maintenance department in 88-90. From the stories my Dad told about him, Dad admired and respected the general greatly. Dad enjoyed being on the short list of Sergeants that the general would consult with for their opinion as the people implementing new policies that the Air Force had decided to go with. Sadly we lost Dad in February of 2021 but I know he would appreciate me making this post. He had nothing but respect and admiration for the the General, may he rest in peace.

    by Thomas Verreault Jr for SMSgt Thomas Verreault Sr.

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