Cary Lynne Mock

Cary Lynne Mock was born August 8, 1966, in Council Grove, Kansas, to Ralph and Sharon Mock. Raised in Wilsey, Kansas, he attended Wilsey Grade School and Council Grove High School. Cary was the eldest of three siblings, followed by sisters Melissa (Beatty) and RyAnn (Myers).
Life in Wilsey was ideal for playing outside, dreaming, and helping nearby relatives with farm chores. For Cary, it was also a season spent becoming a student and lover of classic movies and musicals while learning from his Dad, whose bellowing singing voice and commanding presence were a leading influencer in the community. Cary was introverted and creative like his mom, who as a teacher and professional commercial artist profoundly inspired him.
Cary excelled in dance class (he loved to tap!), voice, piano, and theater, and also medaled in cross country, track, and basketball. He loved being a lifeguard many summers at White Memorial Camp by Council Grove Lake.
Cary started as a college piano major, was encouraged to pursue opera, but finished with a Vocal Music Education degree from Emporia State University (89'). His true passion was displayed on stage as a brilliant and commanding performer. He was seen and starred in dozens of productions at Emporia and later dazzled audiences in many more regional theaters.
Cary's teaching career spanned 11 years during which he taught middle and high school vocal music in Tonganoxie, Sabetha, and Abilene, KS. Cary married Margo Fox (Now Frey) of Council Grove in 1992 and they had a Son, Mark Jordan Mock, in 1993. They divorced later that year.
After a few years of soul searching, Cary met Alicia Brende (Mock) in 1996 at Topeka Civic Theatre where they played the roles of Prince Charming and Cinderella in the Musical, Into the Woods. That sparked a new journey and the couple were married July 5, 1997. They moved to Abilene, KS, where in addition to teaching, Cary served as the worship minister at Emmanuel Methodist Church, while having the privilege of performing many roles, from "Jesus" to "George Bailey", at the local Great Plains Professional Theatre. Cary and Alicia also owned and operated the Victorian Reflections Bed and Breakfast Inn, now Abilene's Victorian Inn.
Cary and Alicia's first two daughters, Annelise and Phoebe were born during their time in Abilene.
The next chapter fulfilled a dream of moving to the "Big City" in 2005, which for Cary, whose perception of intimidation and grandeur, once hindered his ability to believe that he could survive in a place like Kansas City. Truth be told, Cary's talent and abilities were quickly embraced and his family found a home among a welcoming and flourishing church and theater community.
Cary continued worship ministry as a staff member of Hillcrest Covenant Church, and also served as a piano player and singer at Church of the Resurrection. Cary was a talented director, entertainer, and songwriter and arranger. Cary wrote and recorded a children's musical, an original worship CD, and had many other creative works in the making. His most rewarding profession was giving voice, piano, and acting lessons to students in his private studio, many of whom went on as professional performers.
During Cary's time in Kansas City, he lived in Prairie Village where their 3rd and 4th Children, Curran and Delainey, were born, and later in Overland Park, where Cary's family still resides and enjoys community in the Olathe School district.
In 2015, Cary was diagnosed with stage 4 Myelofibrosis and Leukemia, which led to a stem cell transplant (provided by his sister, Missy) and a nine-year battle with Graft Versus Host disease, resulting in almost complete debilitation.
Amidst the loss of vocational work and immense struggle, Cary was able to discover that a new focus was provided - that of becoming inwardly whole, embracing being fully loved, and loving well as a Dad, husband, and person - which ultimately eclipsed all of his other dreams and aspirations.
Cary was brimming with wit and unending "Dad jokes", and was ultimately captured and humbled by the thrill of watching his budding children grow and become proficient artists and performers in their own right. Cary feels his greatest contribution to the world is his kids. He was peaceful when he took his final bow, passing away in his home August 1, 2024.
Cary's post-earth desires include jumping on the nearest ski run with "cold air" blowing on his face, and being reunited with his Father, Ralph Mock, and his favorite dogs (particularly his English Bull-dogs).
Cary is survived by his wife, Alicia; children, Annelise & son-in-law, Chase Cashion, Phoebe, Curran, Delainey, and Mark & daughter in law, Virginia Mock, and their 5 children, Israel, Ezekiel, Hosea, Eden, and Selah; Mother, Sharon Mock; sisters, RyAnn Myers and Melissa Beatty; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Cary felt he wasn't doing enough in the world, and said often, "I just want to help kids." He meant that to include basic human needs in addition to and beyond pouring into the arts.
There are 3 welcomed ways to contribute in Cary's name and memory.
*Donations to needs listed in the Olathe Public Schools Foundation or Heart to Heart International
*Cary's own children's college fund
*Donations to theaters and arts programs that impacted his life or where You were impacted by him, including but not limited to:
Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park
The Lewis and Shirley White Theater
The Chestnut Fine Arts Center
The Culture House
Quality Hill Playhouse
Musical Theater Heritage
Great Plains Theatre, Abilene, Ks
Emporia State School of Visual and Performing Arts
Correspondence can be sent to:
The Mock Family
12806 Bond St
Overland Park, KS 66213