Robert P. Ochsner

Navy Cmdr. Robert P. Ochsner, 91, died Sunday, March 2, 2008 in Skillman, New Jersey after a long illness. A native of Robert, Louisiana, Cdr. Ochsner graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1939. In 1941 he entered the U.S. Naval Reserve and after four months of training at the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipman School in Chicago, Illinois, he was commissioned in the rank of ensign and ordered to active duty. His naval career included WWII service in mine-sweepers and participation in minesweeping operations during the U.S. invasions of Guam and Okinawa in the Pacific. He later served in destroyers and amphibious ships and was an instructor for two years in the Seamanship and Navigation Department at the U.S. Naval Academy. His last sea assignment was as commanding officer of the USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5). After leaving Gunston Hall, he went to the Anti-Submarine Warfare Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon where he served until his retirement in 1966. He retired in Gulfport, his wife’s hometown, after serving 25 years in the Navy. From 1967-83, he had a fulfilling second career as the administrative officer at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs where he helped plan the development of the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center. Through evening classes at the University of Southern Mississippi, he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration, awarded in 1974. He was licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marine as a master of steam and motor vessels of any gross tons upon oceans. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport where his commitments included the Wesley Searchers. He was also a member of the Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport Investors’ Syndicate, and the Retired Officers Association. During his final years he lived at the Stonebridge at Montgomery Continuing Care Retirement Community in Skillman, New Jersey, where he leaves many friends who love and will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Prince. Survivors include his wife, Doris Hager Ochsner, of Skillman, NJ, daughter, Michele, and son-in-law, Terry Lyons, of Princeton, NJ; son-in-law, Thomas Prince, of Pass Christian; grandchildren Robert Prince, of New Orleans, John Prince, of Pass Christian and Samuel and Elisabeth Ertel of Princeton NJ. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 on Friday, March 7th at the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport with a service to celebrate his life immediately to follow. He will be buried at Floral Hills Cemetery. The family prefers memorials to First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th St., Gulfport, MS 39501. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com