Richard Eugene Brock, Jr. of Pflugerville, Texas passed away October 17, 2021 at the age of 54. He was born in Canton, Ohio on November 9, 1966 to Richard (Dick) and Sandra (Sandy) Rowles Brock. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lana; son, Zachary (Zach); daughter, Elizabeth (Lizzie); and brother, Michael, of San Antonio, TX.
As a child, Rick grew up in Northeast Ohio where he was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Canton and a member of the Canton High Ability Program (CHAP). At a young age, he developed a joy for singing, performing, learning, and knowledge, and Rick cherished some lifelong friendships from his early years until the end. The family moved to the Dallas, TX area when Rick was in high school. He graduated with honors from Trinity High School in Euless, Texas where he competed in area Whiz Quiz competitions and played the trombone in the marching band. He would go on to graduate from East Texas State University with degrees in English and History.
At a young age, Rick developed a love for the game of golf. He loved playing golf, meeting players, and getting their autographs during professional golf tournaments. Rick attended tournaments first with his mom, later with Lana, and eventually with Zach. Rick’s hospice nurse quickly learned that when she came to the house for her weekly visits that Rick would be watching day one of the golf tournament.
Rick was well known for his booming voice and enthusiasm. His singing, acting and musical abilities were wide reaching; shining through from school and church performances and choirs to solos at several weddings and funerals. Rick even sang the National Anthem at Baseball Tournaments hosted by Dublin Little League. Rick had a love of music that ranged from a shared appreciation with Lizzie of Weird Al Yankovic parodies to attending the Austin Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra with Lana whenever possible.
Rick was known as our very own personal search engine that we referred to as Rickipedia. He was one of the most intelligent people all of us have ever known. That knowledge started in Whiz Quiz competitions in high school and was later tested through the Jeopardy! online auditions, and further examined through the in-person auditions. Rick then advanced into the Jeopardy! contestant pool that unfortunately was then placed on hold due to the global pandemic.
One of Rick’s greatest joys, along with Lana, was taking Zach and Lizzie on trips to all 50 states. The perfect Rick-planned family vacation included visiting a blend of US Presidential birthplaces and burial sites, VP burial sites, Signers of the Declaration of Independence burial and historic sites, Liberty Bell replica wellness checks, at least one fantastically creepy historical cemetery, and would often involve driving hundreds of miles out of the way to visit a historical marker identifying an important historical site. Sprinkled among all that learning would be days dedicated to amusement parks, water parks, or things of great interest for Zach and Lizzie.
And now, a word from Rick… “I’ve just finished a biography of William Henry Harrison, and I have come across the perfect description of how I want people to remember me after we meet: ‘…of quick and intelligent eye, and altogether as little like decrepitude as can well be imagined.’”
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in honor of Rick to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas or to a charity of your choice. Anyone wanting to help the family can make a contribution in honor of Rick through Venmo @Lana-RickBrockMemorialFund, or sent to the family home. The family is thankful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1pm at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas. The service will also be livestreamed on the Gethsemane website.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18