Richard Dockett, a University City community activist for more than 40 years who was dedicated to the welfare of his neighbors and schoolchildren, died June 14, 2013, at Ackert Park Skilled Care Community after suffering a recent stroke. He was 71.
Anyone attending a council meeting in University City over the years would see Mr. Dockett’s striking presence, a tall man who often wore a cowboy hat. He also took part in Martin Luther King Day marches, and cared deeply about civil rights. He was president of his neighborhood association covering a large area north of Olive Boulevard and west of Skinker Boulevard.
He also volunteered for years on behalf of the University City School District.
The new Pershing School Gym was dedicated to Mr. Dockett last month. Because of his work for the city, Mayor Shelley Welsch declared Jan. 19 this year “Richard Dockett Day.”
A city proclamation said that Mr. Dockett had “tirelessly fought for education, equal justice and economic opportunities” in the school district and city “for more than 40 years.”
“He reared his children in the district and also served as a guardian and protector of children, particularly at Pershing Elementary School.”
The proclamation also said he had been “instrumental in assuring quality education and fairness in the district in construction, hiring and curriculum.”
Mr. Dockett retired after working for 33 years as an inspector and supervisor for General Motors Co. in Wentzville.
He had been married to Wilma Dockett. Among his survivors are a daughter, Pamela Dockett, of St. Louis; two sons, Kymal Dockett, of St. Louis, and Kymo Dockett of Washington; and a grandson.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
