09/16/2026 – During his life, Leon Dockrey was passionate about the power of education and enjoyed assisting others and witnessing them become successful.
Through an estate gift to the Rogers State University Foundation valued at nearly $1.1 million, Dockrey’s belief in education and giving back will live on in perpetuity through the Leon Dockrey Scholarship Endowment.
Dockrey passed away on June 5, 2024, at the age of 83 years.
Leon Dockrey
“My conversations with Leon were inspiring as spoke of how education affected his life and how much he wanted others to have similar opportunities,” said Steve Valencia, Vice President for Development. “We at RSU are grateful he chose to share part of his life’s work with us.”
Dockrey was born on March 28, 1941, in Wagoner. As a child in grade school, Leon walked 1.5 miles from the farm to school. He later attended Star School, where he had the first opportunity to ride a school bus. He attended Northeastern State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He then became an English literature educator at Bland, Missouri for 10 years.
Leon returned home to care for his ailing parents. He took on the role and acted as caretaker, fulfilling their wishes of remaining on the farm while making sure the operations of Dockrey Farm ran well. Planting and harvesting corn, wheat, mung beans, and tending to the cattle was a full-time career.
He provided students with the necessary funds to attend college and further their education, especially those who showed perseverance and dedication to their studies.
Recipients of Dockrey’s scholarship endowment can be from any academic major, have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 to 3.50, demonstrate financial need, and commit to living in university housing. The recipient may retain the scholarship for up to eight semesters by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Planned gifts through a bequest in a will can provide impactful and permanent opportunities for students. To discuss a gift to the RSU Foundation, contact Valencia at (918) 343-7780 or svalencia@rsu.edu.
