John David Gocke

John David Gocke, 63, passed away June 13, 2026.

Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with honors provided by the US Marine Corps.

John David Gocke arrived as an early Christmas present on December 24, 1962, in Baltimore, Maryland to Barbara Anne and David Gocke. One of eight siblings, John grew up in a loving and lively home in New Jersey.

A true athlete and natural leader, John joined the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed in Beirut, earning many honors. After the military, he went on to serve the Lawrence Township Police Department as a Law Enforcement Officer, Range Master and member of the very first Tactical Team Unit until he retired and left for the Great State of Texas to live out his life with his girls and his dogs.

Positive to his core, no matter how much pain he endured, John was a fierce protector, a strong provider, and the best daddy his baby could ask for. While humble, he was also rough and tumble, never one to shy away from a little action. He kept his siblings and friends laughing and was a constant source of fun for his nieces and nephews as they grew up. He never lost his love for the sunshine and fresh air and he kept a tan twelve months of the year here in Texas. He loved exploring, especially the State Parks and the Fort Worth food scene, with a particular soft spot for BBQ, ribeyes, french fries, and yes, sushi. Some of his favorite days were spent taking Kelly and his nephew, Luke, to the gun range, relaxing by the lake with the dogs, or simply watching the sky, whether for stars, passing aircraft, or the off chance of catching a little alien activity.

On June 13, 2026, John joined his mother, Barbara, and his brother, Greg, to be with God in heaven. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the people who will carry them forward. To his wife, Delilah, he was a steadfast husband and the love they shared was the kind that will forever be anchored in their souls. To his daughter, Kelly, he was a hero and protector, the man who would have done anything for her and who showed her every day what it meant to be loved without limit. He also leaves his father, Dr. David Gocke, and his wife, Barbara Vees; his siblings and their spouses, Dr. Christopher Gocke and Dr. Deborah Belchis, Sue and George Wilson, Deidre Gocke, Patricia Gocke, Robert and Merideth Gocke, Mary Anne and Ted Kohn, and Meghan Gocke and Dan Rosenblatt; and his many beloved nieces and nephews.

We love you John, Daddy, forever.