Wendell Garland Ockerman, 90, of Bloomfield, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at his home. He was born Nov. 23, 1935, in Greens Chapel, the son of Thurman and Connie Armstrong Ockerman.
He was a lifelong member of Greens Chapel United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Bloomfield Masonic Lodge. He was an appointed as a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was a past president of both Kentucky Home Pork Producers and Kentucky Pork Producers.
He was hired as the director of Kentucky Pork Producers in 1984 where he served for 30 years and retired in 2014. He was the past president of the Kentucky Livestock Improvement Association. He served eight years on the National Livestock and meat board. He served nine years on Nelson County Planning and Zoning Commission.
He was a previous employee of Moorman’s Feed where he sold feed. Aside from being a hard worker, he was an avid Kentucky Wildcats and Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed hog farming and mowing the land he owned. He loved fishing and hunting doves, geese, and deer. He loved his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren dearly.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Dawn Roberts who provided wonderful care for many years after the passing of his wife. They were also blessed with loving caregivers, Connie Burkhead and Donna Mattingly, and others who allowed him to continue living life in his own home.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Glenna Ockerman; one daughter, Debbie Tichenor; one grandson, Brian Tichenor; and one great-granddaughter, Laylie Gale Tichenor.
He is survived by three daughters, Sherry (Dean) Higdon of Louisville, Jo Carol (Kevin) Stephens and Wendy (Jeff) Lewis, both of Bloomfield; one sister, Alice Tingle; two brothers, Jack Ockerman and Billy Joe Ockerman; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Barlow Funeral Home with his grandson, Bro. Jacob Higdon and Bro. Shane Stephens officiating. Burial is in Highview Cemetery in Chaplin.
Visitation is 2-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations go to Greens Chapel United Methodist Church in Chaplin.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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