John Brock - (1938-2013)
(1938–2013)
William John Thomas Brock, 74, of Early, Texas passed from this earthly existence on January 10, 2013. John was born on November 6, 1938 to William “Bill” and Eva Gentry Brock in an oil-field camp near Stamford, Texas. He was reared in the Trickham community by his uncle and aunt, Gordon and Alma Stearns. John joined the Trickham Union congregation as a youngster and was baptized in Mukewater Creek. It was here, at the age of six, that he began guitar lessons at church, leading to his lifelong passion for music. John attended schools at Brookesmith and Brownwood, graduating in 1957.
John began working for the Santa Fe Railroad where he remained employed for 42 years. John was a natural storyteller, a collector of many things, and loved playing the guitar and hunting. In his retirement, he became an avid collector of firearms and musical instruments. As an active performer in the Texas Country and Bluegrass music scenes, John spent much of his time traveling to Bluegrass Festivals with his long-time companion, Helen. His dedication, love, and respect for the guitar, bluegrass music, and his fellow musicians undeniably lasted him a lifetime. He played at Pearl as recently as December.
John was a guitar player and singer with the "West Texas Hazbins" band from Brownwood and he really enjoyed playing on stage with them every month at Pearl as some of the photos below, show. Even after John was under hospice care at the nursing home he and Helen still came to Pearl so he could jam with his friends and play with "his band". John was friendly to all, an inspiration to all who are fighting illness, and he will be missed by all at Pearl.
John is preceded in death by his parents, his uncle and aunt, and his cousin,“Sis” Ina Vee Rogers Starkey, also reared in the Stearns household. He is survived by his dear friend and long-time companion,Helen Alexander of Early, Texas; brother, Gordon Byrd of El Dorado, Arkansas; a sister of Amarillo, Texas; a scattering of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a lifetime accumulation of hunting and music enthusiasts. He also leaves behind Helen’s 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren who not only considered him family, but many as their grandfather or great-grandfather. It was here he was lovingly referred to as “Big John”.
Upcoming Funeral Services
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Visitation: Friday, 1/18/2013: 6-8pm
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Henderson Funeral Home
107 South First Street
Santa Anna TX
Phone: (325) 348-3131
Funeral: Graveside service - Saturday, 1/19/2013: 11am
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Trickham Cemetery
Coleman County
Map and Directions
Memorials may be directed to Trickham Union Church, Trickham Cemetery Association, or the Pearl Bluegrass Association: c/o Ronald Medart, 820 CR 153, Purmela, TX 76566.
