Robert Brock

Kind, patient, loyal and sweet were just a few ways to describe Bob Brock. He truly was an amazing person who loved his family dearly. Even at the age of 94, he had a great sense of humor, was quick witted and sharp. Bob touched many people in his community over his years and was affectionately known as Poppy not only by his grandchildren, but by many.

The debut of the movies The Ten Commandments and Hunchback of Notre Dame were released in 1923. The year was also remembered for the first baseball game at the newly constructed Yankee Stadium, insulin introduced for treatment of diabetes, Warner Brothers was established and the first issue of Time Magazine was released. In technology, the world's first domestic refrigerator was sold in Sweden and the first portable radio was developed in the United States. That same year on October 29, Lester A. and Ethel I. (Hollenbaugh) Brock were pleased to announce the birth of their second born child, Robert L. Brock.

Born in Whitley County, Indiana, Bob grew up around the rural town of Laud along with his older sister, Jessie LeEtta and younger sister, Doris Jean. While growing up, his family would travel to Oregon to visit family members and also around the western part of the country, visiting national parks. He attended Laud School and graduated two years early from Jefferson Center High School with the Class of 1940. He worked for his Uncle Clem at Hollenbaugh Well Drilling before serving in the United States Army. From 1943 till 1946, he traveled around the world with the Army as he served in the South Pacific Campaign.

Bob continued working for his uncle for a few years after being honorably discharged before taking a position at the Post Office. He would service the great Columbia City area for over 38 years, retiring in 1986. During his span he became an Assistant Post Master and ended his career with a rural route that he enjoyed. In 1958 his world changed forever when he was set up on a blind date by friends with Miss H. June (Eberhard) Culp. The two were married on September 27, 1958 at Grace Lutheran Church in Columbia City. The couple would make their home in Columbia City and Bob became a father to four children, Jeff, Daniel, VaLorie and Bill.

Friday nights were always reserved for he and June to have a date night. He loved to eat and was an easy person to cook for. In his free time, Bob found relaxation in fishing and hunting. Along with his father's help, he built a cabin in Canada that was only accessible by boat. He loved being outside and was hands on. He made his own wine and had a fantastic garden that supplied his family with great vegetables. Out of everything he did, nothing meant more to him than his family and he cherished all his grandchildren.

Except when he served in the U.S. Army, Bob lived his life in Whitley County. He had been a member of Laud Christian Church and Grace Lutheran Church, where he served several terms on the Church Council and Endowment Committee. For over 60 years, he held memberships in the American Legion Post 98 and I.O.O.F Lodge #19. He also was a member of A.A.R.P. and National Association of retired Federal Employees. Bob was a long time season ticket holder for Columbia City High School basketball and looked forward to each season beginning.

A few knew him as Robert, many knew him as Bob and privileged people knew him as Poppy; but no matter how you knew him, it was an honor to know such a great man, a hero, a husband, a father and a loving grandfather. Life will never be the same for his family after 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 when he passed away at the Hearth of Sycamore Village.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, June Brock; children, Jeff Culp, of Michigan, VaLorie "Lorie" (John) Plant, of Columbia City and Bill (Tobi) Culp, of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel Culp, on October 29, 2012; grandson, Bryan Culp, on December 24, 2012; and sisters, Doris Brock on January 26, 2005 and LeEtta Wagner on December 15, 2011.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with his visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Pastor Phil Harris of Thorncreek Bethel Church of God will be officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. A private family burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences.