Ronald Kenneth Rock

Ronald Kenneth "Ron" Rock

August 24, 1938 – November 20, 2025

"Well Done Good and Faithful Servant"

Ronald Kenneth Rock was born on August 24, 1938, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to August and Wanda (Radtke) Rock, and passed into the presence of Jesus on November 20, 2025, in McAllen, Texas. August and Wanda both immigrated to the United States at early ages with their parents from Russian occupied Germany seeking a new beginning and a better life for their families. Ron grew up alongside his older brother, Fred, and his younger sisters Edna and Joyce with their parents instilling in them the enduring values of faith in Jesus and hard work – principles that would shape each of their lives. During their childhood, the Rock family relocated from Michigan to South Texas, where Ron spent the remainder of his youth and carried those values into adulthood.

Ron met the love of his life, Melba Joyce Smith, in Nacogdoches, Texas while his family was visiting friends in 1955. The two were married on December 28, 1956, beginning a life journey rooted in their deep faith in Jesus, enduring affection, and unwavering commitment to each other. Shortly before their marriage, Ron joined the United States Army, proudly serving as a helicopter mechanic earning the rank of SP5 which was the 5th highest rank that a soldier could achieve in the US Army at that time. His service took them across the country to various U.S. Army bases-including Fort Eustis, Virginia, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Hood, Texas-where they formed many friendships with fellow military couples. Over the years, Ron and Melba cherished time spent playing card games, sharing stories, and making homemade ice cream-simple joys that built lifelong bonds with friends and created lifelong memories with their family.

After Ron's honorable discharge from the Army in 1959, he and Melba returned to Texas to build their life and raise a family as Ron joined his father and brother in the roofing business. In 1961, their first son, Kevin, was born in McAllen and a few years later, the young family moved to Lufkin to be closer to Melba's family where they welcomed their two younger sons, Bradley in 1965 and Darryl in 1967. In 1972, Ron and Melba brought their family back to McAllen, where Ron started his own business in construction.

Ron possessed a remarkable ability to visualize what could be and then bring it to life. With natural talent and strong work ethic, he expanded from roofing into residential and commercial development. His craftmanship and vision helped influence a number of areas as he designed and built numerous homes, neighborhoods, commercial buildings, and retail centers throughout the Rio Grande Valley leaving a tangible legacy in the community.

Throughout his life, Ron faithfully served the Lord with a warm and welcoming spirit. For many years he stood at the church doors as a greeter and usher, offering warm handshakes, genuine smiles, and a sense of belonging to everyone who walked through the doors. His dedication extended far beyond the local church as Ron poured his heart into uplifting pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, always finding ways to encourage their work and champion their calling. Many came to know him as "a pastor's friend" and a man whose steadfast faith and servant's heart touched more lives than he ever realized.

Faith and Family were always the center of Ron's life. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished great-grandfather. His quiet strength, practical wisdom, and unwavering love will forever influence the generations who follow him. He never ended a conversation with one of his children or grandchildren without telling them how much he loved them, how proud he was of them, and that he was praying for them every day.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 69 years, Melba, their three sons and their spouses: Kevin and wife Susan, Bradley and wife Veronica, and Darryl and wife Melissa, as well as his treasured grandchildren: Preston Rock and wife Brooke, Justin Rock and wife Sarah, Brandon Rock, Rylan Rock and wife Elena, Ian Rock and wife Gina, Madison Rod and husband Gregory, Dylan Rock, and Mackenzie Rock; six great-grandchildren and his loving sisters Edna Allbaugh and her husband Carl and Joyce Webb and her husband Gaylen. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, August and Wanda, his brother, Fred, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Smith.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home, 314 N. 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501, to reunite and share memories together.

A celebration of Ron's life will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at BT Church, 2001 Trenton Road McAllen, TX 78504, and he will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:00 p.m. at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ron's grandsons, Preston Rock, Justin Rock, Brandon Rock, Rylan Rock, Ian Rock, and Dylan Rock. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Carlos Moreno and Mr. Jose Mendoza.

Ron's legacy is one of Faith, Love, and Dedication and we rejoice knowing that he was greeted with a celebration as he joined his family and friends who preceded him to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior in Paradise hearing Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant".

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following Christian charities:

Le Pont International

(A Bridge to Africa – Pastor Rex Holt)

https://www.abridgetoafrica.org/give/

The Gideons International

https://gideons.org/donate