Larry Brock

Larry Brock of Topeka died at home on April 23, 2007 of natural causes.  Larry was born May 17, 1941 in Springfield, Mo.  He spent his youth in Springfield graduating from Hillcrest High School.  Larry served proudly in the US Marine Corps.  In 1963 he married JoAnn Derum his wife of 39 years.  Before JoAnn’s passing in 2002, the two enjoyed their many road trips seeing great destinations in the “blue van”.  Larry began his career with Nationwide Paper Company in 1960 retiring in 2005 after 45 years of exemplary service.  His co-workers continued their close relationships, bringing him much enjoyment.  He enjoyed many years in the ASA and formed life lasting friendships with his fellow umpires.  He loved talking sports and spent hours on his crossword puzzles (to which he attributed to waiting for the women to come out of the stores).  Larry was an avid bridge player and was very close to his bridge family.  He is survived by his siblings, Kathy Brock, Springfield, MO, Sherry Rimer (Gary), Carthage, Mo, Bruce Brock (Joyce), Springfield, MO.  A son Warren Brock and his wife Teresa, St. Louis, MO and daughter, Lisa Brock, Mission, KS.  Two grandsons Michael and Nicholas Brock were Grandpa’s pride and joy.  Larry devoted his life to his family and was a great friend to all who knew him.  He will be deeply missed.  Services for Larry will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.  He will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 5 – to 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home.