Stephen James Bocquin

Steve "Boc" Bocquin joined his bride Merry in heaven on Saturday December 7th, 2019. After she passed in July, he spent a lot of time on his Harley thinking about what was important in this life. He decided he couldn't ignore the whispers and visions on those rides that were pointing him to something greater than this life. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and is spending eternity with Jesus and his loved ones that have passed before him.

Boc was born on April 17, 1948 in Emporia, KS to Charles L. and Ethel Claudine Earnshaw Bocquin, Sr. He met the love of his life, Merry Moore, and they were married on March 3, 1972. Boc and Merry raised two sons, who survive with their families: Casey and Kierston and their four daughters Quincy, Avery, Annalise and Brinley; and Gabe and Karlee and their three sons Bronsen, Hendrix and Rayce. Boc and Merry were married for 47 years when Merry passed away from complications from ALS this summer. Boc was a dedicated and loving husband, who cared for Merry at home while she declined from ALS. Boc is also survived by siblings: older brother Charles Bocquin Jr in Green River, WY, younger sister Rosemary and her husband Mic Houghton in Green Valley, AZ and sister-in-law Sherry Lynn in Topeka, KS. He also leaves behind various nieces and nephews.

Boc went to work at Josten's Printing and Publishing at the age of 18. He worked as a pressman for 47 years until they closed their offices in Topeka in 2012. He was a dedicated employee and had several long-term friendships from his time at Jostens. In his early years, he enjoyed flat-track racing on his motorcycle with Merry cheering him on from the stands. Raising their sons, Boc loved coaching them in baseball. As their family expanded with grandchildren, Boc and Merry were ever-present at any and all events the grandchildren were involved in. In his 50s, Boc went back to his roots and bought a motorcycle, bargaining with Merry to get his ear pierced before she agreed to let him buy a Harley. He and Merry rode thousands of miles through Kansas and several other states on their Harley. After Merry's recent death, he enjoyed riding alone and with friends. Even in the hospital the last two weeks, he was trying to figure out how he could keep riding, and considered buying a "trike" so he did not have to give up his passion for being free with the wind in his face. Boc's smile, dependability, and quiet nature will be missed by many, especially his family.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Parker-Price Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at the funeral home.

Following Boc's wishes, no flowers have been requested. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys For Tots, c/o the funeral home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608 or by donating online at www.ToysForTots.org.

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