Thomas Lee Mock

A native to Colorado, Thomas was the second child born to Alva and Gertivera. He was raised on a ranch where his family ran a small dairy. It was here that he acquired an appreciation for ranching and the rural lifestyle. Even though he eventually moved away from there, this would always be the place his heart longed to be.

He attended schools in the Pueblo County area and graduated from Alva High School while working the wheat harvest.

A true patriot, Thomas volunteered for the Korean War. Although the draft quotas of his area were filled, he felt a calling and enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Japan and Korea where he was actively involved in the field of communications.

He found and married the love of his life, Lois Jean. They built a loving home with three children. Some of his favorite things to do included taking his family to the Joker Drive-In, getting ice cream on summer nights at Dairy Queen, and going to A & W for rootbeer.

Thomas lived a full and happy life where he was able to put his many skills to use. Early in his career, he was a millwright at the local lumber company. Eventually he attended junior college focusing on electronics which would broaden his career and job opportunities. Thomas worked as an electronics technician on the Pershing Missile System until it was phased out. After that, he moved over to shipping, retiring as Chief of the Box and Crate division. Additionally, Thomas worked for many years as a movie projectionist showing movies at several southern Colorado theatres.

Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family sharing many stories about his childhood and experiences.

Family reunions and campouts gave him the opportunity to swap stories about his genealogy. He also loved learning about the history of his home town. After retirement, Thomas spent many weekends camping with his wife and the Good Sam’s Club. His biggest passion however, was for woodworking. He produced wood trim, cabinets, and custom projects.

Thomas was always a person you could count on and didn’t hesitate to help anyone in need. His strong work ethic and honesty taught us all the value of perseverance and the meaning of a job well done. The love and wisdom he showed touched the lives of everyone around him as he instilled the importance of family. He was a guiding light and a constant reminder of what it meant to be a good person while his unwavering support and encouragement gave us the courage to follow our dreams and never give up.

Thomas was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years. He was a member of the Methodist Church all his life and served in various positions in the church community.

Preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Velma; sister Sharleen; in-laws Orville and Ruth; sisters-in-law Doris Ann and MaryLee; and brothers-in-law Edward, Russ, Doyle, Clifford, and Charles. Thomas is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lois Jean; sisters Lois and Patricia; sister and brother in-law Priscilla and Vernon; children Sherry & Alvin, Wendy & Dwayne, and Tara & Darrell; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Thomas was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. It is difficult to express the depth of our sorrow and the emptiness we all feel. He will be dearly missed but will continue to live forever in our hearts.

Our lives go on without you

But nothing is the same

We have to hide our heartache

When someone speaks your name

Sad are the hearts that love you

Silent are the tears that fall Living without you

Is the hardest part of all

You did so many things for us

Your heart was so kind and true

And when we needed someone

We could always count on you

The special years will not return

When we are all together

But with the love in our hearts

You walk with us forever