Dan Bockert
Daniel Paul Bockert, affectionately known as “Diamond Dan,” 70, passed into glory on August 18, 2025, at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his beloved wife by his side.
Dan was born on Jan. 6, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John and Sybil (Turk) Bockert. He attended Covenant College, obtaining his BA in Biblical Studies and minoring in Education.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sybil Bockert, his sister-in-law, Ann (Coe) Bockert, and his nephew, Stephen Bockert.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Anne Bockert, his brothers Mike Bockert and John (Shelley) Bockert, his daughters Sarah June (Bernard) Wallace, Esther Harmony (Chris) Sarine, Anna Melody (Damion) Rarig, Rebekah Grace (Brian) Goedde, and Leah Faith Bockert, 13 grandchildren, one great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews.
Dan was an early reader with a bright, capable mind. He was an accomplished Eagle Scout, developing practical skills and a great love of the outdoors. He learned to play the saxophone and developed stage presence through participating in band and theater. He gave his life to Christ as a teen. Shortly after completing his secondary studies in Des Moines, Iowa, he organized and hosted a Christian radio show on a local rock station. He was 19 years old, and he called it “The White Fields Hour,” because, as he said, “The fields were white unto harvest.” (John 4:35). He described it as causing “quite a stir: If you can imagine, it’s the mid-70s, and all the folks who were listening to the main rock station in a mid-sized city o a Saturday night, when midnight hits, they are listening to Phil Keaggy, Larry Norman, Michael Omartian, 2nd Chapter of Acts…” Dan’s heart from a very young age was turned to Christ, and on sharing the gospel in creative ways. His witness drew others into the kingdom of God.
Diamond Dan was a true renaissance man: he held a thirst for knowledge which led to a lifelong pursuit of truth and learning. He worked professionally as a writer and editor for many years at the National Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, and spent the last 20 years of his professional career as non-fiction director at McKay in Chattanooga.
He was a thinker; an intellectual, and a wordsmith. He was able to analyze and interpret information and structure thoughts into persuasive, engaging written form. He articulated effectively as a compelling storyteller. As a literary craftsman throughout his professional career, he edited and co-wrote many books and projects. Though unusually adept, he sought to bless others with his intellect and wisdom, edifying his co-workers through faithful service. Dan’s presence in the workplace (and everywhere else) can be characterized by Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” James 3:13 and 17 describe him perfectly: “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom… The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” With such wisdom, he was able “to live righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12).
Dan pioneered and participated in several musical groups, with an emphasis on music that glorified God and brought folks together for fun and fellowship (a talent inherited from his mother). Bands like New American Standard, Herbie and the Hubcaps, and New Song were a prelude to his legendary college band at Covenant, Diamond Dan and the Cut Gems, which covered songs from his childhood era and beyond. Dan was a one-of-a-kind showman with a powerful stage presence. The relationships forged through his musical endeavors lasted to the end of his life.
Dan and Susan cherished 43 years of marriage. Theirs was the finest of all his collaborations. He guarded his faith, testimony and marriage and loved Susan as his own self (Eph. 5:33). He was consistent and steadfast, faithfully shepherding the hearts of his family and upholding them in prayer. He was a good father and grandfather to his five daughters and many grandchildren because he emulated his heavenly Father. He loved to encourage learning and pursuit of interests, thoughtfully gifting books aligning with their interests. Sensitive to other’s needs, he was generous with compliments and encouragement, eager to place a well-timed pun, musical lyric or bible verse. He always took the time to listen. He made everyone, and especially his family feel seen and unconditionally loved (1 Peter 4:8). When asked for advice, he would often respond with 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs...” Dan and Susan labored in life side by side, taking on challenges with creativity, passion, and humor. They stood unified throughout the time the Lord gave them. They enjoyed studying the word of God, communing in nature, reading, antique and home restoration, and of course, music. He also loved history and ancestry research, which he compiled for his family records. What Dan and Susan created together stood the test of time and honored the ultimate Creator.
Dan had a deep and abiding love of the word of God, and studied to show himself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:5), applying what he learned with diligence and integrity in all endeavors, honoring the call of Eccl. 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” His legacy is one of unwavering faith to the end, “being confident…that He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 1:6).
Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, and a service will be held on Aug. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Chapel in Chattanooga.