Carl F. Brock

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we KNOW and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:15-16

A LEGACY OF LOVE!

Carl Fredrick Brock, age 79, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on October 16, 2008 at his home in Titusville, Florida. His wife, Martina, was by his side as he went home to be with his Lord quickly and without suffering.

He was known for his infectious laugh and smiling face. Carl, a strong yet humble man, loved being with his family and friends. He was quiet and honorable, a man of integrity who had a huge impact on nearly everyone he met. Being a true Midwesterner, he was always ready to drive across the country for a reunion of any kind. He loved the simple things in life like home-made ice cream, a game of basketball, a hike in the mountains, and spending time on the back porch with his precious wife, Tina. He was a gentleman and a scholar!

Carl was born at home on December 8, 1928 in Bourbon, Indiana and grew up on a beautiful farm in Indiana. He was always the go-to man for any "fix-it" project from car engines to broken hearts. Carl studied mechanical engineering at Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana, graduating in 1957. He served in the Army's 7th Cavalry Division for two years during the Korean War. Early in his career he worked as an engineer at both Studebaker and Bendix in South Bend, Indiana. He spent the last 35 years of his career working at General Dynamics Space Systems Division. As a Senior Mechanical and Systems Engineer (rocket scientist!), he worked on the Atlas and Titan-Centaur launch vehicles until he retired.

He lived life to the fullest all the days of his life. He enjoyed things like snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, jet skiing, and traveling extensively. He was planning to go skydiving next month to celebrate his 80th birthday with his daughter Sharon, and granddaughter, Leslie (Leslie's idea!).

Carl and Tina traveled far and wide, from Hawaii to Europe to Alaska. California was also a favorite destination as well as Indiana, to visit family and friends. They recently returned from their annual trip to North Carolina with Tina's siblings and their spouses. On their way back to Florida they spent a night at the Pisgah Inn in the Smokey Mountains, another of their favorite spots. Last Saturday they shared the joy of attending the wedding of Debbie's brother-in-law, Keith and his new wife Jenny. It was Carl and Tina's last "date" together…a very sweet memory.

As only the Lord can do, He "made their path straight", especially over the past few months. Since May of this year, Carl and Tina had visited with literally hundreds of their family members and friends through a series of events. We have heard and believe that everyone's last memory of Carl is of a smile, a laugh, a hug, or a prayer! What a wonderful gift to us all.

Carl was preceded in death by his older brother Dale, his sister Betty, and his infant grandson, Christopher Brown. He is survived by his wife Martina, his three daughters and their families:

Debra and Brian Bolves and their son, Brock
Sharon and Mike Brown and their daughters, Leslie and Rachel
Brenda and Jim Dowd and their daughter, Kaley

A visitation is planned preceding the funeral at Newcomer Funeral Home in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that you make a contribution to the American Heart Association in Carl Brock's honor at https://donate.americanheart.org/ecommerce/aha/aha_index.jsp or to the charity of your choice. If you prefer to send flowers, the florist who is associated with the funeral home is Kelly McCarthy Floral. They can be contacted at (407) 595-0057.

The family would like everyone to know that we rejoice in the knowledge of his eternal life with our Heavenly Father. We are reminiscing about our wonderful memories of him and encourage you to share yours with us via the website.