Henry “Doc” Rockhold, 83, of Lomax, IL passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024, at his home. He was born on May 24, 1940 to the parents of Moore Rockhold and Josephine Kline Rockhold. On May 7, 1983, Doc married Peggy Ann Maynard in Dallas City, Illinois.
Doc was small in stature, yet he was a larger than life rugged commercial fisherman that could weave a tale with incredibly colorful language. He knew every bend and current of the river, every secret spot and every trick to catch more fish. He was a man who faced the dangers and uncertainties of the river with courage and faith. He never gave up, never backed down, never lost hope.
Later in his tenure, Doc had the honor to serve as the President of the Illinois Commercial Fisherman’s Association, working alongside lawmakers to ensure sustainable livelihoods of the profession for generations to come, while balancing conservation of nature’s resources. Doc was a proud Korean War veteran with the US Army.
Those closest to Doc know he truly enjoyed being around people he loved most in life. His endless stories with his brother Jeff, Tom Maynard, or your pick of one of the Gilpins was always a riot, especially if he worked in a joke or two in right after. Doc was an avid race fan that loved Dale Earnhardt (not his “bonehead kid” though”), Kyle Larson, and 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton.
Above all, Doc’s greatest source of pride was his family. He and Peggy often took trips to places like Louisiana and Galveston, Texas and had the time of their lives. They danced, ate the types of food the notoriously picky eater Doc was would never try back home, and Peggy would even get him to fish with a pole and line — blasphemy! Doc always loved when his boys Sam and Shawn would come home to visit or when they’d call to check in. He constantly gave everyone updates on them, as you would expect of a proud father.
Doc is survived by two sons: Shawn Rockhold and Samuel Rockhold, both of Huntsville, AL; three step-sons, Kevin (Evie) Worley of Gladstone, IL, Kelly (Grace) Worley of Lomax, IL, Kendall Worley of Burlington, IA; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy Rockhold, both parents, one sister, 4 brothers including his best friend and fellow fisherman Jeff Rockhold. Can’t forget Mugs.
Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Banks & Beals in Dallas City, with Re. Larry Menschel officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow in Myers Cemetery, rural Niota. The family request attendees wear a flannel shirt in honor of Doc.
A memorial fund has been established for Lee County Hospice. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Doc’s obituary at
banksandbeals.com.
