Vic Shrock

Civic leader Herbert “Vic” Shrock, Jr., 70, of Guymon, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord on the morning of Thursday, September 6, 2018. He died peacefully at home in the company of Joyce Shrock, his bride of 48 years. Vic served twenty years in the Air Force before retiring to civilian life in Guymon, where he became known for his volunteer service, especially with the Boy Scouts.

A Vietnam War veteran and decorated officer, Vic was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Meritorious Service Medals, and five Air Medals for his heroism. He qualified as a master navigator on B-52 and B-1 bombers and retired with the rank of major in 1990. Since relocating to Guymon, Vic has worked as a financial analyst for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company, Registrar and Dean of Students for Oklahoma Panhandle State University, a computer applications and math teacher for Hooker and Guymon public schools, and a computer technician for Goodwell public schools.

Vic loved Scouting and advanced to Eagle Scout in 1963. As Scoutmaster of Troop 163 and in other leadership positions, he helped hundreds of scouts grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Dozens of them reached Eagle. In addition to Scoutmaster, Vic served as a Den Leader, Order of the Arrow Chapter and Lodge Adviser, Unit and District Commissioner, Pack and Troop Committee member, and Eagle Board of Review member. He was the 1997 Golden Spread Council National Jamboree Scoutmaster. In return, the Boy Scouts bestowed him several accolades for distinguished service, including the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor; the Silver Beaver; and the Churches of Christ for Scouting Faithful Servant award.

Vic served the Guymon Church of Christ as a deacon, treasurer, and mentor to younger church leaders. He coordinated support for the church’s mission work, particularly in Australia; drove the elderly to services and helped them with household chores; and taught youth and adult classes. As an American Legionnaire and in the Chickasaw Warrior Society, Vic promoted United States patriotism and encouraged his fellow veterans. Through the Kiwanis Club, he supported local youth activities, including coaching baseball and soccer. He assisted the Texas County Girls Scouts with campouts and learning outdoor skills. In all the good he did, he invited others to do the same.

Vic’s favorite place was Platoro, Colorado. Platoro is an old mining town in the Rio Grande National Forest, where Vic, as a small child, helped his parents build a rustic cabin. There, he fly fished the Conejos River, hiked secluded mountain trails, read, and enjoyed the company of family and friends. Over time, he and Joyce improved the property, installing a well and hand pump, adding a plumbed bath house, and later constructing a second cabin and workshop. As a charter member of Platoro Fire & Safety, he helped the town develop a volunteer fire department, complete with a pumper truck, gear, and training. In Vic’s final four years, he served as Mayor of Platoro. In fact, only a week before his passing, he was coordinating an agreement between Platoro Fire & Safety and the US Forest Service--one of his last daily good turns.

When Vic made time for hobbies, he preferred working with wood. His grandchildren will remember him as a crafter of toys and furniture, as well as a lover of classic movies. Other family will note Vic’s voracious appetite for science fiction, westerns, and thriller novels. He rarely went anywhere without a book. Still others will recollect his vibrant sense of humor, teasing and joking, especially with his children, nieces, and nephews.

Vic was born in Pittsburgh, California, September 27, 1947, the oldest child of Navy engineer Herbert Shrock, Sr., of Perry, Oklahoma, and watchmaker K. Elaine (Dodd) Shrock of Lindsay, Oklahoma. He graduated from Lajes High School, Azores, Portugal, in 1965 and earned a Business Administration degree from Oklahoma State University in 1970. He was a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and a descendent of tribal Governor Peter Maytubby. 

Vic is survived by his wife, Joyce (Waugh) Shrock of Guymon; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Christopher and Dr. Danielle Shrock of Vienna, West Virginia, and their four children, Elle (9), Todd (6), Reese (4), and Copper (1); daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Kathryn and US Army Major Kyle Thomason of Colorado Springs and their son, Weston (6); brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Gloria Shrock of Hempstead, Texas; sister, Kaliteyo Elaine Shrock of Rowlett, Texas; and many beloved nephews, nieces, in-laws, and other extended family.

Vic’s was a life of courage, patience, and integrity, lived in service to God, country, community, and family. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 12th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 PM at Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, 501 NW Fifth, Guymon, with the family being present from 6:00-8:00PM.

Funeral services will be Thursday morning, September 13th,  10:00 AM at the Guymon Church of Christ, 404 North Academy.  Military gravesite rites will be Thursday afternoon, 3:00 PM at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Buffalo, Oklahoma.

Memorials may be designated to Boy Scouts Troop #163, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK  73942.

Friends may sign the online guestbook and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vic Shrock, please visit our floral store.