KLOCK, EDWARD J.

Edward J. Klock [August 18, 2009] was born on February 7, 1925 in Rama, Nicaragua, C.A. to Sofia Hunter Klock and Nathan P.A. Klock. His birth was registered with the American Consulate in Blue Fields, Nicaragua. The family returned to New Orleans in June of 1939. He attended high school in New Orleans. He enlisted in the Navy on February 2, 1943. He went to boot camp in San Diego, CA, hospital school in Balboa Park and field medical school and Marine training at Camp Elliot, California. In mid-October, he set sail to Noumea, New Caledonia, and arrived in early November. He was transferred to the Second Raider Battalion as a replacement in Bougainville in mid-November of 1943. In January of 1944, he was transferred to HQ Co. Fourth Marine Regiment Reinforced. In March 1944, he participated in the capture of Emirau. In July of 1944, the First Provisional Marine Brigade invaded Guam. On April 1, 1945, the Sixth Marine Division invaded Okinawa. In July of 1945, he returned to the Navy. He was transferred to a survivor’s camp in N.T.S. Farragut, ID, where he remained until he was honorably discharged on February 12, 1946, in N.A.S. New Orleans, LA. The highest rate he attained was Pharmacist Mate First Class. He received the Navy Unit Commendation for Guam and the Presidential Citation for Okinawa. In October of 1946, he reenlisted in the Naval Reserve as a weekend warrior at N.A.S. New Orleans, LA. He entered Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond, LA, in January of 1947. He was recalled during the Korean War. He was stationed in USN Hospital, in Key West, FL, and later stationed aboard the USS Saratoga (APA 204). He was released from active service in November of 1952 and then honorably discharged in October of 1954 with the total reserve time of 11 years, 11 days with 8 years of active service. He returned to college and received a BA degree in Social Science Economics in June of 1953. USDA hired him as a warehouse examiner in the cotton division. He married Virginia Alvarado on August 29, 1953. He resigned from the USDA in August of 1955 because of continuous travel. In October of 1955, he was hired by American Cyanamid Fortier Plant as a laboratory technician where he remained for 32 years until his retirement in 1987. He and Virginia have four children, Virginia Kinsinger (Husband Louie), Sigrid McAllister (Husband Carl), Wayne Klock and Cyndy Merritt Bazile (Husband Kerry and the late Dan Merritt). Edward is survived by 7 grandchildren, Jessica, Stephen, Ashley, Cameron, Nathan, Gillian and Matthew, and 2 great-grandchildren, Jaden and Austin. He is the brother of Christian Klock, Cecelia Vosloh, Carmen LaCour and the late Nathaniel Klock, Sophie Klock and Bill Klock. Edward was a member of the VFW Post 3121 of Gretna, LA, American Legion Post 0401, Marine Raider Association and Southeastern Alumni. He was a charter member of the National World War II Museum. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Mothe Funeral Home, 7040 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA, on Friday evening, August 21, 2009, from 6PM until 10PM and on Saturday morning from 8:30AM until 10AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 535 Deerfield Road, Terrytown, LA, on Saturday at 10:30AM. Interment in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the U.S. Marine Raider Association or Christ the King Catholic Church in his name.