Thomas “Tom” E. LaRock, age 62, of McCordsville, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2016. He was born on March 11, 1954, in Rochester, N.Y., as the son of Thomas E. and Mary (Orth) LaRock.
He graduated from Bishop Flaget High School in Chillicothe, Oh., in 1972. LaRock received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University in 1976. He received his master’s degree in communication from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. in 1985. Tom married Maria Jan (Bowie) on May 23, 1983, in La Plata, Md.
LaRock served in the Air Force from 1977 to 2002, including time spent as a part of Operation Desert Shield. He was the recipient of many awards and commendations during his career, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters. A retired officer, he served as a newspaper editor, Public Affairs Officer, media spokesman and spent a tour of duty on the Pentagon Press desk.
He had worked for Defense Finance and Accounting Service for the last 10 years, and was the Director, Corporate Communications at the time of his death. LaRock had been a member of the VFW. He also enjoyed reading, Sudoku puzzles and was an avid gardener.
Tom is survived by his wife, Maria Jan (Bowie) LaRock of McCordsville; sons, Anthony and Alfredo Parris, both of Indian Head, Md.; brothers, James LaRock of Lancaster, Ohio, John (Jill) LaRock of Beaver Creek, Ohio and William (Missy) LaRock of Niles, Ohio; sisters, Mary K. LaRock, S.S.J. of Rochester, N.Y. and Barbara (Mike) Hurff of Loveland, Ohio.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. and Mary (Orth) LaRock.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held there on Saturday, June 25th, immediately following the visitation at 2 p.m., also at the mortuary. Father Tony Rowland will be officiating. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be sent directly to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
