Obituary: Steve Williamson Stocks

Steve Williamson Stocks was the youngest of four children born to William Heber and Ella Maude (Williamson) Stocks. He was born on the 4th day of August, 1925, in the beautiful town of Lewiston, Utah, which is situated at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Cache Valley. He resided most of his young life in Southern California, graduating from Compton High School.

In 1943, Steve joined the United States Coast Guard. Within several months he had been trained as a radar operator and was stationed aboard a Navy transport with an all Coast Guard crew, the USS Robert L. Howze, AP 134. During the first part of 1944, his ship traveled for 19 consecutive days to the southern tip of New Guinea. The troops onboard the Howze were members of the 1st Cavalry and were part of General McArthur’s Army as they pushed the Japanese Army, on McArthur’s way to return to the Philippines. Steve made eleven more similar trips to the Southwest Pacific during his service in the Coast Guard.

Upon his discharge, Steve went to school on the G. I. Bill of Rights and earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree from USC. He spent the rest of his life in association with the field of education. Steve was first a Science teacher at Oxnard High School in 1952, a Vice-Principal at Hueneme High School, served as the first Principal of Channel Islands High School, and was an Assistant Superintendent for the Oxnard Union High School District. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Principal of Oxnard High School. He was very involved in PTA, Athletics, Vocational Education, and Student Activities during those years. A major highlight of his career was to be appointed by the President of the United States to the prestigious National Advisory Council on Vocational Education, where he spent considerable time reviewing vocational programs throughout the United States.

Upon his retirement in 1988, Steve was elected to the Oxnard Union High School Board of Trustees where he served for 24 years. In addition, he served one term as a Commissioner for the Oxnard Harbor District – Port of Hueneme.

One of the great joys in his later life was a genuine log home in Lincoln, Montana in the Upper Blackfoot Valley, a quarter mile north of the Blackfoot River and surrounded by beautiful Ponderosa pines, some of which were young trees when Columbus came to America. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving members of his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Maud and William Heber Stocks, his first wife, Margene Stocks, an infant daughter, Stephane, his brothers, Dahl and Kenneth, and his sister, Maxine. He is survived by his wife, Ginger, and his children Mark Stocks (Stacie), and Stephane Munoz, and Ginger’s children whom he called his own, Lisa Franz (Joe) and Sean Kilmartin. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

P. S. One of the other great joys in his life, in addition to his family, was his love of animals, particularly his dogs. A Memorial service was held Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1150 Gary Drive, Oxnard, CA 93033. Following the Memorial service, a private family graveside service was held at Ivy Lawn Cemetery.