Fred Brock

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Fred Newton Brock, 98, Joplin, passed away on February 23, 2015 at his home in Joplin, following a short illness. 

Fred was born on the family farm near Longview in McDonald County to William Samuel Brock and Lillie Ethel Parker Brock on November 14, 1916. He graduated from Stella High School in 1933. Upon graduation, he began a career in farming, which he continued until 1994, except for serving in the Army during WW II. During his farming career he raised Angus and Holstein Cattle, as well as being a contract grower of chickens and turkeys. Sometimes Fred was caring for over 100,000 turkeys at one time. Fred was active in the community and served on the Board of Directors at New Mac for many years. 

After retiring from farming, Fred moved to Joplin to begin a second business of managing the family’s rental properties. From his humble beginnings of being born in a log house with a dirt floor, Fred got to see many amazing changes in the way people live throughout his life. He was young in spirit, always wanting the newest and the best of everything, especially in his love of cars. 

At the age of 96, he insisted on getting a new car, not because he planned to drive it or needed one, as he stopped driving the previous year. He told family and friends that he could not drive it, but he could still ride in it. Remaining a remarkably active man, he continued driving daily until 95 and mowed his own yard until shortly before his death. 

Fred married his beloved wife, Ina P. DePriest on January 20, 1952 in Bentonville, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on December 23, 2006. Fred is survived by his son, Stephen Fred Brock of Overland Park, Kansas, in laws, Mike and Karen Viles of Joplin; his care-giver, Linda Gould, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved Border Collie, Patsy. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Thelma Kaye Brock Bartley and two brothers, Lee Brock and Harry Brock.

VIEWING
Friday February 27, 2015, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Clark Chapel of Memories

GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Saturday February 28, 2015, 1:30 PM at Union Cemetery