John Henry Mock

John Henry Mock, 100, of Eureka, Kansas, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 6, 2026, at the Veterans Home in Winfield, Kansas. He lived an extraordinary life marked by courage, adventure, and service.

John was born September 18, 1925, in Hamilton, Kansas, to William Edward Mock and Clara Leota (Jacobs) Mock. The eldest of four children, he grew up on the family farm in Greenwood County alongside his siblings David, Maedellee, and Wilma, learning the value of hard work and family from an early age.

When his country called, John answered. Drafted into the United States Army, he served as a rifleman during World War II and was deployed to Germany, where he fought with remarkable bravery and reached the rank of Corporal. He was taken as a prisoner of war, an experience that tested his courage and resilience. He was held prisoner for 99 days before being liberated from his captors. During this harrowing time in battle and captivity, he sustained injuries that he carried with him for the rest of his life. John loved to share his story and pride in service with others. For his valor and service, John was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the European Theater of Operations Medal with three battle stars, the American Defense Service Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

After the war, John's adventurous spirit took him around the world. He worked as a mechanic for oil companies on offshore, land, and helicopter drilling rigs, traveling to places most people only dream of visiting. The stories he told of his travels seemed impossible, but were absolutely true, and when he shared them, you couldn't miss the knowing sparkle in his eyes. Among his many adventures, John even raced in NASCAR.

On April 3, 1993, John married Mary Ellen (Brown) Sissman, a fellow World War II veteran. Together they shared a passion for military history and service, and devoted themselves to veterans organizations in Eureka. John also enjoyed show cars and volunteering throughout his community.

A quiet and proud man, John loved his family deeply. His gentle smile was easily seen in his wise eyes, and those who knew him will remember his sweet tooth—especially his love for chocolate. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened to the wisdom born of a century of living.

He is survived by his sister, Maedellee Scott of Turon; nieces, Susie and husband James Humphrey of Hutchinson, Terri Eskew of Kingman, and Linda Thompson of Wichita; nephews, Gary and wife Debbie Scott of Lyons, and Don Mock of Emporia; and several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews: Jennifer Bain, Rob Eskew, Tracey Weaver, Shawna Scott, Shannon Harrison, Jessica Richardson, Kieryn Bain, Allie Eskew, Carter Eskew, Les Weaver, and Dustin Dubberstein; as well as many extended family members and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ellen; and siblings, David Mock and Wilma (Mock) Giese.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, February 16, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka, with Pastor Kevin Lawrence of the Climax United Methodist Church officiating. Cremation has been effected per his wishes. Military honors will be rendered by VFW Post 2712.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to VFW Post 2712, for which he himself gave so much time and effort. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.