John Edward Rock

 

John Edward Rock, 96, of MacArthur, West Virginia

March 31, 1927 - August 23, 2023

John passed away early Wednesday morning at the John Cook Nursing Home in Hinton, WV, where he had been battling a wound infection for some time.

He is the son of Otis and Lelia Waddell Rock of Princewick, West Virginia.  During World War II the Rock family lived in Baltimore, Maryland where Otis worked as a welder in the shipyard and John joined the Navy, serving in the South Pacific during World War II.  After the war they moved back to MacArthur.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Janet (Phillips) Rock in 2017.  Also preceded in death by his brother Gary, and sisters, Aline Bernstein, and Helen Rock Moye who actually went to high school with Melba Janet and introduced the two of them. John and Melba Janet were married in February of 1947, and made their home in MacArthur near the Phillips and Rock families. They had three sons, John Earl, James Edward and Joseph Emil.  When the boys were in elementary school, they moved to Arlington, Virginia for better opportunities for the family and remained there until their sons were grown. Home was always in West Virginia - their roots, family, friends, and they were members of the local church, Hollywood Missionary Baptist.

Upon his return from the war, John began working with the family business gas station and grocery his Father, Otis, had designed and built.  This building actually still remains in MacArthur today. John later dedicated his career to the housing industry as a former maintenance engineer, and part time security guard for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

John Edward was a patriot, determined and principled man; reminding us on occasion about what he believed God's "Good Book" had to say about a subject.

One of the greatest and most beautiful legacies John Edward Rock left us with are in the lives of his wonderful three sons and their families.  Beginning with the eldest son John Earl (Diane) Rock, John Earl and Linda’s children are John Douglas Rock (Melissa Little) and Joseph Michael (Diana) Rock.

John Douglas's children are Michael Stephen and Christopher Andrew; Michael Stephen's children are Callan Christopher Coates, Paisley June Rock, and Cavan Michael Rock.

Christopher Andrew's children are Hayden Christopher Rock.

Joseph Michael (Diana Warren) Rock and their children are Tanner Evan Clifton and Ellielynn Judith.

Middle son, James Edward Rock and his two children with Rachel Rock are Jamie (Matt) Richardson and their children, Camden, Bailey and Virgina; Robert (Katy) Rock and their daughters Quinn and Sawyer.

Youngest son, Joseph Emil Rock and his children with Cathy Rock, Jason (Samantha) and their children, Jocelyn and Jonathan; Jessica Rock Bishop and her children, Anthony Rock (AJ), Chloe, and Lucas; and Jenna Rock.

Also, several beloved nephews and nieces.

John's funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley, West Virginia, with Rev. David Bush officiating.  Interment will follow with military honor guard in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by Wyoming County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Family may arrive at 5:00 p.m.  Sincere appreciation for your love, support, and prayers.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.