Henry James Rock

Mr. Henry James Rock, age 91, lifelong and believed to be the oldest resident of Deford, passed away Wed., Sept. 1, 2010 at Tuscola County Medical Care Facility.

Henry was born Sept. 25, 1918 in Deford. On Aug. 12, 1939 he married his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Ione Reynolds. She preceded him in death on Nov. 13, 1999, also preceding him in death were his parents, Herman and Adaline, as well as his two brothers, Albert and Charles (Bud).

He is survived by his 2 sons and their families, Herman (Steve) of Roswell, GA and Henry (Janet) of Mayville, MI, 6 grandchildren, Gayle (Gorden) Coulter of Imlay City, MI, David (Lori) Rock of Lapeer, MI, Todd Rock of Demorest, GA, Luke (Karen) Rock of McDonough, GA, Angie (Tom) Rye of Marlette, MI and Marcus (Josie) Rock of Cleveland, GA, 7 great grandchildren, Samantha, Noah, Rachel, Hunter, Madeline, Sydney and Campbell, several nephews and nieces, as well as his brother-in-law, Walter Reynolds, Dale Reynolds and Lyle Reynolds, and sisters-in-law, Donna Rock and Shirley North. Henry was very active in both the Deford United Methodist Church and in his community. He served as Chariman of the Administrative Board of the Deford United Methodist Church for several years. He and Ione also both worked as church Youth Leaders for several years. His community service included serving as Township Clerk for Novesta Township for 25 years as well as Constable. He worked for the Tuscola County Road Commission for 40 years, including 7 as Weigh Master and 12 years as foreman of County Road Commission. He also worked building bridges in the county for 3 years. He and Ione were Sextons of the Novesta Twp. Cemetery for several years. Henry was also a life member of the F & A Masons, Mount Moriah Lodge #226, Caro, MI. Many knew Henry as the man who worked on lawn mowers.

Visitation is Fri., Sept. 3, from 4 - 8 PM and Sat., Sept. 4, from 2 - 8 PM at Thabet Funeral Home, Cass City, and on Sun., Sept. 5, from 1 until a 2 PM service at Kingston United Methodist Church, Washington St., Kingston. Pastor Debra Brown officiating. Burial will be in Novesta Twp. Cemetery. Pallbearers for Henry will be his grandchildren.

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