Joshua Brockington | Army vet, machinist, 91

Joshua Brockington Sr., 91, of West Oak Lane, a retired Army sergeant, machinist, and Mason, died Sunday at home.

Mr. Brockington grew up in Kingstree, S.C. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army and served his country for 23 years. He was stationed in the States during World War II, in Korea in the Korean War, and in West Germany during the early years of the Vietnam War.

After retiring from the Army in 1964, Mr. Brockington settled in Philadelphia, where he had relatives, and went to work for the Budd Co., a manufacturer of railcars. He was active in the West Oak Lane community, said a daughter, Sandra Gould.

A Mason for 48 years, Mr. Brockington held various positions in Masonic organizations and achieved the title of Most Worshipful Master.

In the Army, he sang with a quartet and loved gospel music, his daughter said.

His wife of 40 years, Estella Fulton Brockington, died in 1987. Since 1997, he had been married to Amber Brockington.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Brockington is survived by sons Joshua Jr. and Robert Broadie; daughters Betty Wagner and Pamela; stepson Philip Smith; two sisters; 23 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. tomorrow Philippian Baptist Church, 5801 N. Broad St., where a Masonic service will begin at 10 and a funeral at 11. Mr. Brockington was a member of the church men's group for 18 years. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.