Lawrence Joel Stock

Lawrence Joel Stock of Waterflow New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 28, 2025, at the age of 90 years old.

Lawrence was born in Waterflow NM on August 5, 1935, the son of John Oliver Stock Senior, and Minnie Evans Stock. He was one of six children, with two brothers and three sisters. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him.

Lawrence cared deeply about his faith, family, country, and community. He was always willing to help those in need, whether it be family, neighbors, friends, or strangers. He was a man of honor and integrity.

Lawrence was a lifetime resident of Waterflow. He attended Kirtland schools and graduated from Kirtland Central High School in 1953. After graduation, he served a two-year Spanish speaking mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, in the Spanish American and West Spanish American Mission. His mission territory spanned from San Jose California, through Arizona, New Mexico, to Laredo, Brownsville and Corpus Christi Texas.

After his mission, Lawrence enlisted in the US Army. He completed basic training in Fort Carson Colorado and spent the rest of his time in Germany. While in the Army, Lawrence was a member of the command inspection team, he drove escort jeeps for tank transportation, worked as a mechanic, and an ammunition storage personnel. He was honorably discharged in November of 1960.

While in Germany, Lawrence's friend, Royal Stevens, suggested to Lawrence that he should write to Royal's sister Rosalee. Lawrence and Rosalee corresponded for over a year while Lawrence finished his military service duties.

On May 2,1961, Lawrence and Rosalee were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints.

Except for a brief stint in Greasewood Arizona, Lawrence and Rosalee spent their entire married life in Waterflow New Mexico, where they raised their three children: Shelly, Steven, and Stephanie. Lawrence and Rosalee were happily married for 62 years.

In 1970, Lawrence purchased the farm property from his father Oliver Senior. For 55 years, he made a successful living as a farmer, raising alfalfa, corn, oats, and cattle.

Lawrence was a devoted and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served at the ward and stake levels, as Bishop, High Councilman, executive secretary, stake young married couples' advisor, elders quorum secretary, and stake athletic director. In his later years, he served with his wife Rosalee as a temple worker in the Albuquerque NM Temple. Lawrence loved his Heavenly Father; He was a good and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lawrence also served his community. He was an advocate for the farmers in San Juan County and their water rights. He served on the San Juan Soil and Water Conservation board, Farm Bureau board of directors for 12 years, New Mexico State University Science Center Advisory Board, Jewett Valley Water Users Association, President of Farmers Mutual Ditch, San Juan County Planning and Zoning Committee, and Lower Valley Water Users Association Board.

Lawrence is survived by his daughters Shelly Stock Halling (Marv), Stephanie Fourr (Danny), sisters, Catherine Stock Ellingford and Donna Stock. 16 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rosalee, son Steven, parents, Oliver Senior and Minnie, brothers Oliver and Evans, and sister Daris.

There will be a public viewing Sunday, October 5, from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM at the Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 West Apache St. Farmington NM.

There will be a viewing Monday morning October 6, from 10:00 AM- 10:45 prior to the funeral. The funeral service will start at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kirtland Stake Center located at 10 road 6523 in Kirtland NM. The service will also be live streamed via Zoom. Find the Zoom link on the Farmington Funeral Home website.

Interment will be in the Kirtland Cemetery following the funeral service.