Harold Lee Stocker

Harold Lee Stocker (age 84) of Plainfield, IN, passed to his eternal life July 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born in Wheeling, WV, to Allen Henry Stocker and Valta Marie (Cunningham) Stocker; he was the eldest of their five children. Raised in Wheeling, Harold was a member of the Triadelphia High School Class of 1957, attended West Liberty State College, received a BS in Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University (1964), and an MBA from Indiana University (1972). He was awarded several academic honors during his studies.

Harold began his professional career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Florida Research and Development Center, in West Palm Beach, as an Analytical Design Engineer. While there, he met Elizabeth Laura Sipos whom he married November 12, 1966, in Stuart, FL. They had one son, Marshall L. Stocker. In 1968, Harold began a 25-year career with Allison Gas Turbines in Indianapolis, retiring as a Chief Project Engineer in 1993. Highlights included receiving two US patents for labyrinth seals and being an invited speaker to a 1978 NATO Conference in London, England. His technical research continues to be cited by academic scholars fifty years later. In 1993, he took his gas turbine expertise to PSI Energy, the electric utility later known as Cinergy and Duke-Energy. He was especially proud of the young people he mentored while there. In 2007 he again retired as Principal Engineer in Construction and Engineering. Harold founded Group 64 Inc. and continued as a consultant for seven more years.

Harold served his community as President and member of the Brownsburg Board of Zoning Appeals, as President and member of the Board of Directors for Cummins Behavioral Health, as a member of Brownsburg Sertoma (Service to Mankind), on Boards of Homeowner's Associations, and as an Indianapolis International Airport Ambassador. A faithful Lutheran his entire life, Harold was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brownsburg, Indiana, for nearly 50 years serving as the congregation's president during a period of construction.

A proud and ardently supportive father to his son, Marshall, Harold's passions included building model railroads, bowling, handball, hunting, studying WWII history, and attending the Indy 500 Race. But, he especially enjoyed traveling with Laura. He experienced adventure on all seven continents and in nearly all of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. For many years, Harold was an eager participant at Brownsburg's Rock Steady Boxing where he and fellow boxers challenged their Parkinson's disease.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Howard Stocker. Harold is survived by his devoted wife, Laura, his son, Marshall, two sisters, Paula Jane Angel (Edward) and Karen Sue Hostutler (James), one brother, William Carl Stocker (Charlene), a sister-in-law, Sandra Stocker, and an extended family of nieces and nephews. Harold had many wonderful friends who visited and brought him joy and comfort in his last years. The family especially appreciated the dedication of Jim Dickerson's weekly visits to share memories and support Laura. And to the staff at The Barrington of Carmel, who provided loving care in recent years, thank you.

"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Christ Evangelical Lutheran, 701 East Tilden Drive, Brownsburg, IN, 46112 or Rock Steady Boxing of Brownsburg, 1531 E Northfield Dr. #800, Brownsburg, IN, 46112

Visitation will be Friday July 26 from 4-6pm at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.  Funeral services will be at 11am Saturday July 27 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 701 E. Tilden Dr., Brownsburg, IN, with calling from 10am.  Graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, 1526 National Road, Wheeling WV 26003