H. Earl Rock

h. earl rock
H. Earl Rock, 86, of Owensboro, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2015, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born December 3, 1928, in Gibson County, IN to the late Randall Estin and Iris Fern Willis Rock. He retired after 42 years as a heavy equipment operator from Peabody Surface Coal Mines. During his life with the coal mines he ran many different machines and was considered one of the best in his trade. He was a wonderful Christian man and a member of Owensboro Christian Church. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, his caffeine free Pepsi, and his family. He was loved and considered Papaw by many. He had 62 visitors during his 18 day stay in the hospital. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family and extended family. He was Papaw Buddy Rock by some of his great-grandchildren. He was still very much in love with his best friend, sole mate and loving wife and their marriage has been an inspiration to many couples. Aside from his parents and in-laws, Ed and Effie Bowlds, he is reuniting, celebrating and dancing with his daughter, Melia Rock Baker, seven sisters and three brothers. Left to celebrate his life and carry on his life lessons are his wife of 65 years, Helen Bowlds Rock, son, Randy (Robyn) Rock, daughters, Tami (Bruce) King, Rebecca “Becky” (Paul) Hayden, Kortni (Steve) Siehl, grandchildren, Kevin (Missy) Rock, Jeramy Rock, Jillian Nesmith, Nicholas (Wanda) Baker, Crystal (Chris) Purcell, Robert “Bobby” Frakes, Jr., Jennifer Rock and Britney (Kyle) Johnson, nine step-grandchildren, 36 great and step great grandchildren, 1 step great-great grandchild, three sisters, Stonie Meddles of New Albany, Jacklynn Fielden of Florida and Joretta “Jerry” Brown of Centertown, brother, Glen (Jewell) Bishop, sister in law, Velma Clark of Indiana and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday at Haley-McGinnis & Owensboro Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Share your photos and memories of Earl Rock at www.haleymcginnis.com.

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  1. To all the family my deepest condolences, my prayers in your time of sorrow. He is with God now n celebrating with his family in heaven. He was a good man and I am so sorry for your loss.

  2. To the family of Earl Rock,

    We are thinking of all of you, and we want you to know that we care about all of you. we wish we could come and see all of you, but it is not possible at this time. just remember you have a lot of family and friends that lov

  3. There are so many great memories of Earl but the one that sticks out the most to me is, in late 80’s I told Earl exactly what kind of car I wanted, 78′ Monte Carlo, wouldn’t you know it that he found me one in Island, Ky… Very next day I was driving tha

  4. Uncle Earl…you will be so missed….you were a wonderful Uncle, always smiling and happy…so loved by everyone…now you are in a much better place and getting to see your daughter once again.

  5. Tami, Becky, and family,
    My sincere apologies for your loss. I hope in time that you find comfort in his memories. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
    Sincerely,
    Amy Wagner Decker

  6. Helen we are so sorry and shocked at Earls passing. We will always have memories of how he teased Dean. We looked forward to seeing you all on Fridays. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and the days ahead. He is in a better place and not

  7. Aunt Helen and Cousins…When I learned of Uncle Earl’s passing into Heaven I told my wife Kathy, ‘Well, I just lost my ‘fun’ uncle, but Heaven will sure be a happier place with him in it.’ Always happy, smiley, and ready to give a helping hand. We’ll a


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