John "Jack" F. Ocken, Jr.

John “Jack” F. Ocken, Jr., age, 86, of Roanoke, IN, passed away on Saturday,  April 5, 2025, at his residence.

Jack was born on November 15, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to the late John and Bernice (Ketter) Ocken. He married Carole R. Banet on May 19, 1962, and she preceded him in death on August 29, 2018.  

Jack graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1957.  Jack proudly served in the United States Army in the 52nd Transportation Battalion while stationed in Germany. He retired as a lineman from GTE.  He was a 4-H leader for many years in Huntington, member of the American Quarter Horse Association, IBHA (International Buckskin Horse Association), and a member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Roanoke.

Jack is survived by his son, John “Jay” (Lyn) Ocken, South Whitley, IN; one daughter, Amy O. (Andy) Ellet, Huntington, IN; one brother, Tom Ocken, Albuquerque, NM; one sister, Mary (Michael) Hess, Roanoke, IN; and 7 grandchildren, AJ, Jacob, Jarrett, Justine, Jacklyn, Jhett, and Jackson.

Along with his parents, and wife, Carole, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Veronica Hoover; and brother, Bob Ocken.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 2:30 p.m. followed by the calling hours on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN 46783.

Additional calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 641 N. Main Street, Roanoke, IN, 46783 with Fr. Bill Kummer presiding.

A Graveside burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Roanoke, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Huntington County 4-H Horse & Pony or to Stillwater Hospice in care of McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, 46783.

McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences:  www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Jack" F. Ocken, Jr., please visit our floral store.