(Seguin) — The former owner of Seguin Radio KWED who also served as a local businessman and Texas State Representative has died. Friends and family are remembering the life of Bennie Bock. After recently falling ill, Bock died Wednesday, June 29 at his home in New Braunfels. On top of serving constituents in Austin, Bock, for years, was well-known locally as the owner of Ford Motor Company on West Court Street.
Proudly remembering his legacy and his service to the state of Texas is current State Representative John Kuempel.
“Everybody I’m sure can remember Bennie through owning the radio station or car dealerships but what I remember the most about Bennie is when you think about the direct succession of this Texas House Seat, Bennie served in this House seat for five terms before Edmund won in 1982 so just myself, dad and Bennie were the last three to serve Guadalupe County in the Texas House so that’s how I remember Bennie. Even just to say how active he was in the community of Comal and New Braunfels and always had an eye and a finger on the pulse of the Texas Legislature because he always loved it and was so willing and helpful — he and his wife both were so willing and helpful the first time I ran and continued to support me the entire time I held office — even though they were not necessarily a part of the new district that I represent but Bennie was always a great sounding board — a trusted ally that knew how the process worked and was somebody I always went to and leaned on to ask questions about different circumstances that maybe I hadn’t experienced and Bennie was always there to help,” said Kuempel.
Following his passing, family members described Bock as a “true renaissance man, defined by the phrase “a man can do all things if he will.” It was also stated that “there will never be a more authentic Texan in my life than Bennie Bock.” Throughout his life, Bock was also an attorney and rancher. His love for art also eventually made him the “proud owner of Mill Street Art Gallery” in New Braunfels.
Kuempel says he will forever cherish the memories of the Bock Family.
“I remember meeting Bennie and Kathy even when I was a kid even in high school. I remember going to their parents’ house that overlooked Landa Park and going to fireworks there but just knowing that dad and Bennie had that same relationship and dad was a different dynamic becuase dad did serve both Comal and Kendall Counties that Bennie both served as well so they had that in common. Honestly, I’ve know Bennie since I was 10 years old so always has been a great family friend and always helpful and always met with a smile and an honest conversation that I will dearly miss,” said Kuempel.
A graveside service for Bennie Bock is set for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14 in the Texas State Cemetery. A celebration of life service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. Bock leaves behind one daughter Suzanne Badger, her husband Brian and two grandchildren.