John Schobelock, 90, of Sebastian, passed away on Jan. 11, 2015, after a short illness.
He is survived by his children David Schobelock (Laurie) of Hobe Sound, Mary Anne King(Lt. Col. Thomas King) of Jacksonville, N.C., Dr. Thomas Schobelock (Janet) of Dallas, Texas, son Steve Schobelock (Leah) of San Diego, Calif., Loraine Barge (Dr. John Barge) of Rome, Ga.; son-in-law Scott Davis (Michelle), of Gastonia, N.C.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Schobelock, daughter Christine Schobelock Davis of Gastonia, N.C., and sister Mary Catherine Schobelock of Milford, Del.
Born June 2, 1924, in Washington D.C., Schobelock grew up in Milford, Del.
In 1950, he married Wanda Wilkie and together raised their family primarily in Northern Virginia. He was a fighter pilot and career military officer, who upon military retirement expanded his career in residential and commercial real estate as a broker in both the Washington D.C. market and central coast of Florida.
He had a long life filled with a love of his Catholic faith, family and flying. He was married to his wife Wanda for 62 years and the proud father of their six children.
Schobelock served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a flight instructor and afterwards attended LaSalle College in Philadelphia while serving in the Delaware Air National Guard. After his marriage to Wanda, he was called up for active duty in the U.S. Air Force and flew 100 combat missions in Korea. He served in both the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force where he retired as a Colonel in 1978.
With a military career that spanned over 30 years, Schobelock’s positions ranged from a flight instructor, to a fighter pilot, to serving over 14 years at the Pentagon. He was a highly decorated officer who received numerous medals including The Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal. Schobelock received his bachelor degree from University of Maryland and was a graduate of the Air War College in 1970.
With his broad smile and energetic personality, he left a positive impact on his many friends and acquaintances. He was a passionate Catholic who spent much of his time, talent and resources to support various faith and social programs, particularly Catholic vocations and Native American education.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Paulist Fathers Senior Ministry, 1225 20th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Services for John Schobelock will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Sebastian. Visitation and rosary service will be held at the church starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.