Earl Bockel was a man like few others made by our Lord. If Earl told you something it was not only true but also complete and correct. If you needed someone in the middle of the night to help you; Earl was always there.
The Lord gave me the privilege of working a number of homicides and other type investigations with Earl. I found every experience educational and rewarding. Just spending time with Earl (and Billie) was an award. Not only did you learn and become a better person you actually had a real good time.
When we formed Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Earl was the first Detective I chose. In the same breath I chose Ronnie Phillips because he and Earl were like twins and I never heard them have a harsh word.
The original SIU crew was Lt. Grace Ozmer (Hefner); Sgt. Jim Waller; Detectives: Earl Bockel, Ronnie Phillips, Kelly B. Hendrix and Jimmy Parker. Last, but by far not least was Suzie Guillen. When Suzie came to work at HCSO her Dad arranged with Earl and/or Ronnie to pick Suzie up when we were called out in the middle of the night.
Earl and the others took to the team investigation concept like ducks to water. In the first 120 days that SIU operated a record number of Homicides were cleared and many folks went to Death Row.
As you can see, books could be written on the successes of Earl Bockel but what I will always remember is Earl the individual. He was a class gentleman and a true friend. Although I left HCSO for investigative jobs that took me around the world I always stayed in touch with Earl. We could discuss cases, solved or unsolved, hours at a time. Earl is certainly going to be missed by me and all that knew him.
The most important thing we can know about Earl is that he was a Bible believing Christian who boldly professed his love for Christ. I offer praise for the Lord that Earl is in heaven with the Lord and his family members and friends that have passed before him. I can't wait to see Earl in Heaven.
