Richard Dockett, U City Advocate, Dies

Richard Dockett, an advocate for the citizens of University City and the children in the School District of University City passed away on Friday night, according to a member of the Board of Education.

Rod Jennings told Patch that Dockett passed away after suffering a stroke earlier this week. No funeral plans were available at this time. 

Dockett was a tireless advocate for the people of University City. In the proclamation naming Jan. 19, 2013 as Richard Dockett Day in U City, Mayor Shelley Welsch said the following: 

"Mr. Richard Dockett is an active community member who resides in the Third Ward of University City. Mr. Dockett has tirelessly fought for education, equal justice and economic opportunities in the School District of University City and the City of University City for more than 40 years. He raised his children in the District and also served as a guardian and protector of children, particularly at Pershing Elementary School.

Mr. Dockett has been instrumental in assuring quality education and fairness in the District in construction, hiring and curriculum. He is truly an asset and protector of our schools and city."

The School District named the gymnasium for Dockett in a celebration May 17.

See a complete photo gallery from the Pershing Gym dedication on University City Patch's Facebook page.

In 2010, Dockett participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March in St. Louis. See Dockett in this YouTube video. (Editor's Note: Dockett appears about the 4:30 mark in the video.)

See more on Richard Dockett:

• Pershing Gym Dedicated to Richard Dockett Friday
• Pershing Gym Dedication, ‘Jazz Under the Stars’ Tonight
• Pershing Gymnasium Named for Richard Dockett
• January 19 Is Richard Dockett Day in U City