Don W Brock

Don W Brock, 89, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2016, at Brewster Place Health Center, Topeka.

He was born July 5, 1926, in Blue Mound, Kansas, the son of Leonard and Sarah Evelyn (Mann) Brock. He enlisted in the US Naval Air Corps where he served from 1944-1946. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education from Kansas State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Emporia State University. He chose to remain in the classroom for fifty years rather than joining the administrative ranks. He taught vocational agriculture at Yates Center High School and Highland Park High School before transferring to the Kaw Area Technical School where he established an occupational exploration program for special needs students. Upon his retirement from KATS, a conference room was named in his honor.

Don married Wilda M. Horton on June 6, 1948 in Blue Mound, KS. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2015.

He was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church. He and Wilda served as both First Mates (vice-presidents) and Skippers (presidents) of the National Presbyterian Mariners couples organization. In addition, he served terms as Moderator and Vice-Moderator for the Presbytery of Northern Kansas (1981 – 1982); was a member of a variety of committees for the Synod of Mid-America (1985 – 1996); was a member of the National Communications Commission of the Presbyterian Church (1970 – 1973); served as the Presbytery commissioner to the Presbyterian Church General Assembly (1963 and 1976); and fulfilled both volunteer and director roles from Mission Work Camps in Sitka, AK; Montreat, NC; Sterling, KS and Parkville, MO (1986 – 1995).

He was inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame in 1998. He spent 39 years as a high school and small college football and basketball official and was inducted onto the Highland Park High School Sports Wall of Honor in 2002. In his "spare" time, he owned and operated a small business, "4 Something Concrete." He was recognized by the Division of Rehabilitation Programs and Projects with Industry for his work with citizens with disabilities and served two terms on the Board of Directors for the Children's Foundation of Mid-America, St. Louis, MO.

He is survived by his two children, Gloria (Gary) Fish of Topeka, KS, and Carol Brock of Topeka, KS; four grandchildren, Jarrod (Carolyn), Jeremy (Colby), and Jason (Kristin) Fish and Talia Brock; and eight great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his brothers, L. M. Brock and Richard Brock; son, Steven Craig Brock; and daughter, Marcia Dawn Brock.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS. Burial will follow at Topeka Cemetery, Topeka. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Mid-Town Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66614.

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