January 11, 2013
Robert L. Rock
Sept. 8, 1927 – Jan. 9, 2013
Anonymous The Herald Bulletin Fri Jan 11, 2013, 10:27 PM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Robert L. Rock was blessed with an amazing life and the opportunity to serve.
He was raised by his aunt and uncle John and Jessie Rock. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1945, and immediately enrolled at Indiana University. After the summer semester, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a hospital corpsman at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., caring for our injured servicemen of World War II. After his tour of duty he returned to IU where he earned his BS degree in business, graduating in 1951.
He began work with Jefferson National Life in Indianapolis. In 1954 he joined his Uncle, John Rock, and his brother, John Rock, in the real estate and insurance office, the ‘Rock Agency." In 1954, at the age of 26, he was elected as a representative to the Indiana General Assembly. He served in the 1955, 1959, 1961 and 1963 sessions, in the last of these he served in leadership positions. In 1964, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the state. He served with vision and originality by emphasizing tourism, business development, and foreign trade. He also led the state to create many local airports and an industrial revolving fund to aid cities in attracting new industry. He was Commissioner of Agriculture serving on the Indiana State Fair Board and on the Indianapolis 500 committee. He represented the State of Indiana at the 1968 and1969 Rose Bowl and raised the funds for the Indiana floats for the Rose Bowl parade. In 1968, he gained his party's nomination for Governor. His great disappointment was that he could not lead Indiana with his vision, experience, and governmental skills.
In 1971, he was elected mayor of Anderson and served in that capacity until 1980. He was most proud that Anderson was named an "All American City"; the expansion and improvement of the city park system; the provision of a pension system for city employees; and he established the Anderson Housing Authority Commission to provide affordable housing for disadvantaged families which now services more than 2,000 families. His administration started the City's transit system, CATS, brought in new industry, established Historic W. 8th Street, and constructed the fire station at Fifth and Jackson streets. He was known for his caring and respect for all City employees.
In 1956 he married the former Mary Jo Ferguson. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage. That union blessed them with four children and nine grandchildren: Kathy and husband Paul Ray of Carmel, Ind., daughter Lindsay of New York City; Karen Rock-Monnick and husband Stewart Monnick (deceased), daughter Josephine of London, England; Karel and husband Joseph Riedel, children Elizabeth and husband Noé Badillo, Caroline Riedel and Catherine Riedel of Chandler, Ariz.; and, son, Robert and wife Mary Ahlering Rock, children Sarah, William, John and Hugh of Evansville, Ind. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kitty Tangeman (husband Dick Tangeman, deceased) of Dayton, Ohio, and their children Rick, Travis and Elizabeth; and Dr. Laura Jones and husband, Kevin Graham, and Tom Jones, niece and nephew. He was blessed with many caring and good friends, which he cherished, and nurtured.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John Rock; Brothers Walter and John; and Sister Ann Jones; Mother and Father-in-law Ralph and Josephine Ferguson; and son-in-law Stewart Monnick.
His lifetime was enriched by his love of travel; books; education; music; and his friends and family. His great passion for the soil was satisfied by his life on his farm outside of Anderson. The last 23 years he and Mary Jo have spent their winters in Fort Lauderdale.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St., Anderson, with the Rev. Ryan Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Community Foundation or the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 13, 2013.
January 9, 2013
Former Anderson Mayor Robert L. Rock dies at 85
By Baylee Pulliam
The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:08 AM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Former Indiana Lieutenant Governor and Anderson Mayor Bob Rock was not a politician.
"He was just a man who knew how to make government work," said his wife, Mary Jo Rock.
Robert L. Rock, whose career in Indiana politics was marked by pushes for industrial development, tourism and foreign trade, died Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 85.
State Rep. Terri Austin and state Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, both of Anderson, issued a statement, saying Rock's death "brought an end to a remarkable chapter of public service in the history of Indiana."
"I am deeply saddened to see Lt. Gov. Rock pass," Austin said. "He exemplified the true spirit of what it meant to be a public servant and inspires me to continue his proud, Democratic tradition of fighting for the middle class, creating good-paying jobs and being an advocate for education."
Rock was born in Alexandria, on Sept. 8, 1927. As a child, he moved to Anderson to live with his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John.
"Our houses were 10 feet away," said Mary Jo, via phone from Fort Lauderdale. "He always took care of me."
Rock graduated from Anderson High School, and served in the U.S. Navy before earning his bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University.
In 1956, he and Mary Jo wed. They had four children, who now live everywhere from Evansville, Ind., to London, England.
"Despite the immense obligations of public office," Austin said. "He made his family his priority and they were involved in the multitude of good work he performed on behalf of our community."
Rock began his state political career at age 26, with a successful bid for Indiana General Assembly.
In 1965, he took the office of lieutenant governor, under Gov. Roger Branigin, where he worked to build the state's division of foreign trade, increase tourism, establish new airports and create an industrial revolving door fund to help communities attract new industry.
In 1972, he took office as Anderson's mayor, following an unsuccessful bid for Indiana governor.
Rock's two terms as mayor are marked by an expansion in the city's parks system and a quality-of-life initiative, that "led to Anderson's noteworthy status as an All American City," said current Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith.
Rock was also responsible for the City of Anderson Transportation System and giving city workers access to the Public Employee Retirement Fund, said Linda Dawson, who worked in the city controller's office when Rock was mayor.
She said she remembered his sense of humor and his affinity for "blizzard," a card game he'd often play with friends and co-workers.
"He truly cared about the city employees, and about the city," Dawson said.
Rock's time as mayor had its share of controversy. In 1979, a Madison Circuit Court grand jury handed down indictments of alleged official misconduct, theft and intimidation against Rock and 21 other people, all of which were later dropped.
But Mary Jo said that controversy is overshadowed by Bob's love of government, state, family, friends and innovative ideas.
"When you think about his stature in the community, what he did to help people, that's his legacy," she said.
Austin added Rock would "always have a special place in my heart as well as in the history of Anderson and the state of Indiana."
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Home in Anderson. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. that Saturday, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St.
Find Baylee Pulliam on Facebook, on Twitter @BayleeNPulliam or call 648-4250.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 10, 2013.
Robert L. Rock
Sept. 8, 1927 – Jan. 9, 2013
Anonymous The Herald Bulletin Fri Jan 11, 2013, 10:27 PM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Robert L. Rock was blessed with an amazing life and the opportunity to serve.
He was raised by his aunt and uncle John and Jessie Rock. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1945, and immediately enrolled at Indiana University. After the summer semester, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a hospital corpsman at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., caring for our injured servicemen of World War II. After his tour of duty he returned to IU where he earned his BS degree in business, graduating in 1951.
He began work with Jefferson National Life in Indianapolis. In 1954 he joined his Uncle, John Rock, and his brother, John Rock, in the real estate and insurance office, the ‘Rock Agency." In 1954, at the age of 26, he was elected as a representative to the Indiana General Assembly. He served in the 1955, 1959, 1961 and 1963 sessions, in the last of these he served in leadership positions. In 1964, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the state. He served with vision and originality by emphasizing tourism, business development, and foreign trade. He also led the state to create many local airports and an industrial revolving fund to aid cities in attracting new industry. He was Commissioner of Agriculture serving on the Indiana State Fair Board and on the Indianapolis 500 committee. He represented the State of Indiana at the 1968 and1969 Rose Bowl and raised the funds for the Indiana floats for the Rose Bowl parade. In 1968, he gained his party's nomination for Governor. His great disappointment was that he could not lead Indiana with his vision, experience, and governmental skills.
In 1971, he was elected mayor of Anderson and served in that capacity until 1980. He was most proud that Anderson was named an "All American City"; the expansion and improvement of the city park system; the provision of a pension system for city employees; and he established the Anderson Housing Authority Commission to provide affordable housing for disadvantaged families which now services more than 2,000 families. His administration started the City's transit system, CATS, brought in new industry, established Historic W. 8th Street, and constructed the fire station at Fifth and Jackson streets. He was known for his caring and respect for all City employees.
In 1956 he married the former Mary Jo Ferguson. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage. That union blessed them with four children and nine grandchildren: Kathy and husband Paul Ray of Carmel, Ind., daughter Lindsay of New York City; Karen Rock-Monnick and husband Stewart Monnick (deceased), daughter Josephine of London, England; Karel and husband Joseph Riedel, children Elizabeth and husband Noé Badillo, Caroline Riedel and Catherine Riedel of Chandler, Ariz.; and, son, Robert and wife Mary Ahlering Rock, children Sarah, William, John and Hugh of Evansville, Ind. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kitty Tangeman (husband Dick Tangeman, deceased) of Dayton, Ohio, and their children Rick, Travis and Elizabeth; and Dr. Laura Jones and husband, Kevin Graham, and Tom Jones, niece and nephew. He was blessed with many caring and good friends, which he cherished, and nurtured.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John Rock; Brothers Walter and John; and Sister Ann Jones; Mother and Father-in-law Ralph and Josephine Ferguson; and son-in-law Stewart Monnick.
His lifetime was enriched by his love of travel; books; education; music; and his friends and family. His great passion for the soil was satisfied by his life on his farm outside of Anderson. The last 23 years he and Mary Jo have spent their winters in Fort Lauderdale.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St., Anderson, with the Rev. Ryan Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Community Foundation or the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 13, 2013.
January 9, 2013
Former Anderson Mayor Robert L. Rock dies at 85
By Baylee Pulliam
The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:08 AM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Former Indiana Lieutenant Governor and Anderson Mayor Bob Rock was not a politician.
"He was just a man who knew how to make government work," said his wife, Mary Jo Rock.
Robert L. Rock, whose career in Indiana politics was marked by pushes for industrial development, tourism and foreign trade, died Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 85.
State Rep. Terri Austin and state Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, both of Anderson, issued a statement, saying Rock's death "brought an end to a remarkable chapter of public service in the history of Indiana."
"I am deeply saddened to see Lt. Gov. Rock pass," Austin said. "He exemplified the true spirit of what it meant to be a public servant and inspires me to continue his proud, Democratic tradition of fighting for the middle class, creating good-paying jobs and being an advocate for education."
Rock was born in Alexandria, on Sept. 8, 1927. As a child, he moved to Anderson to live with his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John.
"Our houses were 10 feet away," said Mary Jo, via phone from Fort Lauderdale. "He always took care of me."
Rock graduated from Anderson High School, and served in the U.S. Navy before earning his bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University.
In 1956, he and Mary Jo wed. They had four children, who now live everywhere from Evansville, Ind., to London, England.
"Despite the immense obligations of public office," Austin said. "He made his family his priority and they were involved in the multitude of good work he performed on behalf of our community."
Rock began his state political career at age 26, with a successful bid for Indiana General Assembly.
In 1965, he took the office of lieutenant governor, under Gov. Roger Branigin, where he worked to build the state's division of foreign trade, increase tourism, establish new airports and create an industrial revolving door fund to help communities attract new industry.
In 1972, he took office as Anderson's mayor, following an unsuccessful bid for Indiana governor.
Rock's two terms as mayor are marked by an expansion in the city's parks system and a quality-of-life initiative, that "led to Anderson's noteworthy status as an All American City," said current Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith.
Rock was also responsible for the City of Anderson Transportation System and giving city workers access to the Public Employee Retirement Fund, said Linda Dawson, who worked in the city controller's office when Rock was mayor.
She said she remembered his sense of humor and his affinity for "blizzard," a card game he'd often play with friends and co-workers.
"He truly cared about the city employees, and about the city," Dawson said.
Rock's time as mayor had its share of controversy. In 1979, a Madison Circuit Court grand jury handed down indictments of alleged official misconduct, theft and intimidation against Rock and 21 other people, all of which were later dropped.
But Mary Jo said that controversy is overshadowed by Bob's love of government, state, family, friends and innovative ideas.
"When you think about his stature in the community, what he did to help people, that's his legacy," she said.
Austin added Rock would "always have a special place in my heart as well as in the history of Anderson and the state of Indiana."
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Home in Anderson. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. that Saturday, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St.
Find Baylee Pulliam on Facebook, on Twitter @BayleeNPulliam or call 648-4250.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 10, 2013.
January 11, 2013
Robert L. Rock
Sept. 8, 1927 – Jan. 9, 2013
Anonymous The Herald Bulletin Fri Jan 11, 2013, 10:27 PM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Robert L. Rock was blessed with an amazing life and the opportunity to serve.
He was raised by his aunt and uncle John and Jessie Rock. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1945, and immediately enrolled at Indiana University. After the summer semester, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a hospital corpsman at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., caring for our injured servicemen of World War II. After his tour of duty he returned to IU where he earned his BS degree in business, graduating in 1951.
He began work with Jefferson National Life in Indianapolis. In 1954 he joined his Uncle, John Rock, and his brother, John Rock, in the real estate and insurance office, the ‘Rock Agency." In 1954, at the age of 26, he was elected as a representative to the Indiana General Assembly. He served in the 1955, 1959, 1961 and 1963 sessions, in the last of these he served in leadership positions. In 1964, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the state. He served with vision and originality by emphasizing tourism, business development, and foreign trade. He also led the state to create many local airports and an industrial revolving fund to aid cities in attracting new industry. He was Commissioner of Agriculture serving on the Indiana State Fair Board and on the Indianapolis 500 committee. He represented the State of Indiana at the 1968 and1969 Rose Bowl and raised the funds for the Indiana floats for the Rose Bowl parade. In 1968, he gained his party's nomination for Governor. His great disappointment was that he could not lead Indiana with his vision, experience, and governmental skills.
In 1971, he was elected mayor of Anderson and served in that capacity until 1980. He was most proud that Anderson was named an "All American City"; the expansion and improvement of the city park system; the provision of a pension system for city employees; and he established the Anderson Housing Authority Commission to provide affordable housing for disadvantaged families which now services more than 2,000 families. His administration started the City's transit system, CATS, brought in new industry, established Historic W. 8th Street, and constructed the fire station at Fifth and Jackson streets. He was known for his caring and respect for all City employees.
In 1956 he married the former Mary Jo Ferguson. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage. That union blessed them with four children and nine grandchildren: Kathy and husband Paul Ray of Carmel, Ind., daughter Lindsay of New York City; Karen Rock-Monnick and husband Stewart Monnick (deceased), daughter Josephine of London, England; Karel and husband Joseph Riedel, children Elizabeth and husband Noé Badillo, Caroline Riedel and Catherine Riedel of Chandler, Ariz.; and, son, Robert and wife Mary Ahlering Rock, children Sarah, William, John and Hugh of Evansville, Ind. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kitty Tangeman (husband Dick Tangeman, deceased) of Dayton, Ohio, and their children Rick, Travis and Elizabeth; and Dr. Laura Jones and husband, Kevin Graham, and Tom Jones, niece and nephew. He was blessed with many caring and good friends, which he cherished, and nurtured.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John Rock; Brothers Walter and John; and Sister Ann Jones; Mother and Father-in-law Ralph and Josephine Ferguson; and son-in-law Stewart Monnick.
His lifetime was enriched by his love of travel; books; education; music; and his friends and family. His great passion for the soil was satisfied by his life on his farm outside of Anderson. The last 23 years he and Mary Jo have spent their winters in Fort Lauderdale.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St., Anderson, with the Rev. Ryan Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Community Foundation or the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 13, 2013.
January 9, 2013
Former Anderson Mayor Robert L. Rock dies at 85
By Baylee Pulliam
The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:08 AM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Former Indiana Lieutenant Governor and Anderson Mayor Bob Rock was not a politician.
"He was just a man who knew how to make government work," said his wife, Mary Jo Rock.
Robert L. Rock, whose career in Indiana politics was marked by pushes for industrial development, tourism and foreign trade, died Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 85.
State Rep. Terri Austin and state Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, both of Anderson, issued a statement, saying Rock's death "brought an end to a remarkable chapter of public service in the history of Indiana."
"I am deeply saddened to see Lt. Gov. Rock pass," Austin said. "He exemplified the true spirit of what it meant to be a public servant and inspires me to continue his proud, Democratic tradition of fighting for the middle class, creating good-paying jobs and being an advocate for education."
Rock was born in Alexandria, on Sept. 8, 1927. As a child, he moved to Anderson to live with his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John.
"Our houses were 10 feet away," said Mary Jo, via phone from Fort Lauderdale. "He always took care of me."
Rock graduated from Anderson High School, and served in the U.S. Navy before earning his bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University.
In 1956, he and Mary Jo wed. They had four children, who now live everywhere from Evansville, Ind., to London, England.
"Despite the immense obligations of public office," Austin said. "He made his family his priority and they were involved in the multitude of good work he performed on behalf of our community."
Rock began his state political career at age 26, with a successful bid for Indiana General Assembly.
In 1965, he took the office of lieutenant governor, under Gov. Roger Branigin, where he worked to build the state's division of foreign trade, increase tourism, establish new airports and create an industrial revolving door fund to help communities attract new industry.
In 1972, he took office as Anderson's mayor, following an unsuccessful bid for Indiana governor.
Rock's two terms as mayor are marked by an expansion in the city's parks system and a quality-of-life initiative, that "led to Anderson's noteworthy status as an All American City," said current Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith.
Rock was also responsible for the City of Anderson Transportation System and giving city workers access to the Public Employee Retirement Fund, said Linda Dawson, who worked in the city controller's office when Rock was mayor.
She said she remembered his sense of humor and his affinity for "blizzard," a card game he'd often play with friends and co-workers.
"He truly cared about the city employees, and about the city," Dawson said.
Rock's time as mayor had its share of controversy. In 1979, a Madison Circuit Court grand jury handed down indictments of alleged official misconduct, theft and intimidation against Rock and 21 other people, all of which were later dropped.
But Mary Jo said that controversy is overshadowed by Bob's love of government, state, family, friends and innovative ideas.
"When you think about his stature in the community, what he did to help people, that's his legacy," she said.
Austin added Rock would "always have a special place in my heart as well as in the history of Anderson and the state of Indiana."
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Home in Anderson. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. that Saturday, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St.
Find Baylee Pulliam on Facebook, on Twitter @BayleeNPulliam or call 648-4250.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 10, 2013.
Robert L. Rock
Sept. 8, 1927 – Jan. 9, 2013
Anonymous The Herald Bulletin Fri Jan 11, 2013, 10:27 PM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Robert L. Rock was blessed with an amazing life and the opportunity to serve.
He was raised by his aunt and uncle John and Jessie Rock. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1945, and immediately enrolled at Indiana University. After the summer semester, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a hospital corpsman at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., caring for our injured servicemen of World War II. After his tour of duty he returned to IU where he earned his BS degree in business, graduating in 1951.
He began work with Jefferson National Life in Indianapolis. In 1954 he joined his Uncle, John Rock, and his brother, John Rock, in the real estate and insurance office, the ‘Rock Agency." In 1954, at the age of 26, he was elected as a representative to the Indiana General Assembly. He served in the 1955, 1959, 1961 and 1963 sessions, in the last of these he served in leadership positions. In 1964, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the state. He served with vision and originality by emphasizing tourism, business development, and foreign trade. He also led the state to create many local airports and an industrial revolving fund to aid cities in attracting new industry. He was Commissioner of Agriculture serving on the Indiana State Fair Board and on the Indianapolis 500 committee. He represented the State of Indiana at the 1968 and1969 Rose Bowl and raised the funds for the Indiana floats for the Rose Bowl parade. In 1968, he gained his party's nomination for Governor. His great disappointment was that he could not lead Indiana with his vision, experience, and governmental skills.
In 1971, he was elected mayor of Anderson and served in that capacity until 1980. He was most proud that Anderson was named an "All American City"; the expansion and improvement of the city park system; the provision of a pension system for city employees; and he established the Anderson Housing Authority Commission to provide affordable housing for disadvantaged families which now services more than 2,000 families. His administration started the City's transit system, CATS, brought in new industry, established Historic W. 8th Street, and constructed the fire station at Fifth and Jackson streets. He was known for his caring and respect for all City employees.
In 1956 he married the former Mary Jo Ferguson. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage. That union blessed them with four children and nine grandchildren: Kathy and husband Paul Ray of Carmel, Ind., daughter Lindsay of New York City; Karen Rock-Monnick and husband Stewart Monnick (deceased), daughter Josephine of London, England; Karel and husband Joseph Riedel, children Elizabeth and husband Noé Badillo, Caroline Riedel and Catherine Riedel of Chandler, Ariz.; and, son, Robert and wife Mary Ahlering Rock, children Sarah, William, John and Hugh of Evansville, Ind. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kitty Tangeman (husband Dick Tangeman, deceased) of Dayton, Ohio, and their children Rick, Travis and Elizabeth; and Dr. Laura Jones and husband, Kevin Graham, and Tom Jones, niece and nephew. He was blessed with many caring and good friends, which he cherished, and nurtured.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John Rock; Brothers Walter and John; and Sister Ann Jones; Mother and Father-in-law Ralph and Josephine Ferguson; and son-in-law Stewart Monnick.
His lifetime was enriched by his love of travel; books; education; music; and his friends and family. His great passion for the soil was satisfied by his life on his farm outside of Anderson. The last 23 years he and Mary Jo have spent their winters in Fort Lauderdale.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St., Anderson, with the Rev. Ryan Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Community Foundation or the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 13, 2013.
January 9, 2013
Former Anderson Mayor Robert L. Rock dies at 85
By Baylee Pulliam
The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin Thu Jan 10, 2013, 12:08 AM EST
ANDERSON, Ind. — Former Indiana Lieutenant Governor and Anderson Mayor Bob Rock was not a politician.
"He was just a man who knew how to make government work," said his wife, Mary Jo Rock.
Robert L. Rock, whose career in Indiana politics was marked by pushes for industrial development, tourism and foreign trade, died Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 85.
State Rep. Terri Austin and state Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, both of Anderson, issued a statement, saying Rock's death "brought an end to a remarkable chapter of public service in the history of Indiana."
"I am deeply saddened to see Lt. Gov. Rock pass," Austin said. "He exemplified the true spirit of what it meant to be a public servant and inspires me to continue his proud, Democratic tradition of fighting for the middle class, creating good-paying jobs and being an advocate for education."
Rock was born in Alexandria, on Sept. 8, 1927. As a child, he moved to Anderson to live with his Aunt Jessie and Uncle John.
"Our houses were 10 feet away," said Mary Jo, via phone from Fort Lauderdale. "He always took care of me."
Rock graduated from Anderson High School, and served in the U.S. Navy before earning his bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University.
In 1956, he and Mary Jo wed. They had four children, who now live everywhere from Evansville, Ind., to London, England.
"Despite the immense obligations of public office," Austin said. "He made his family his priority and they were involved in the multitude of good work he performed on behalf of our community."
Rock began his state political career at age 26, with a successful bid for Indiana General Assembly.
In 1965, he took the office of lieutenant governor, under Gov. Roger Branigin, where he worked to build the state's division of foreign trade, increase tourism, establish new airports and create an industrial revolving door fund to help communities attract new industry.
In 1972, he took office as Anderson's mayor, following an unsuccessful bid for Indiana governor.
Rock's two terms as mayor are marked by an expansion in the city's parks system and a quality-of-life initiative, that "led to Anderson's noteworthy status as an All American City," said current Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith.
Rock was also responsible for the City of Anderson Transportation System and giving city workers access to the Public Employee Retirement Fund, said Linda Dawson, who worked in the city controller's office when Rock was mayor.
She said she remembered his sense of humor and his affinity for "blizzard," a card game he'd often play with friends and co-workers.
"He truly cared about the city employees, and about the city," Dawson said.
Rock's time as mayor had its share of controversy. In 1979, a Madison Circuit Court grand jury handed down indictments of alleged official misconduct, theft and intimidation against Rock and 21 other people, all of which were later dropped.
But Mary Jo said that controversy is overshadowed by Bob's love of government, state, family, friends and innovative ideas.
"When you think about his stature in the community, what he did to help people, that's his legacy," she said.
Austin added Rock would "always have a special place in my heart as well as in the history of Anderson and the state of Indiana."
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Home in Anderson. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. that Saturday, at First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Ninth St.
Find Baylee Pulliam on Facebook, on Twitter @BayleeNPulliam or call 648-4250.
Published by The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, IN, January 10, 2013.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
