Steven Edward Rock

Steven Edward Rock, age 67, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on January 12, 2022. Steve was born on August 31, 1954 to Harry and Thelma (Burris) Rock, in Kansas City, Missouri.   After graduating from Raytown South High School, he met and married "the one", Joyce Hilton, and in 1977 their son, Jason was born in Kansas City, Missouri. They would go on to raise him and build their life together in Kansas City and Overland Park, Kansas.   Together, Steve and Joyce enjoyed flower and water gardening, fishing, trips to Branson, and in later years, cruising in their '55 Crown Vic. In the last two years of his life, he and Joyce cherished the time they spent in their new home in Lamar, MO.   Steve built a career in auto body collision and repair that spanned more than four decades. Having progressed from technician, to shop manager, to body shop estimator, his list of contacts in the auto and insurance industries grew over the years. By the time he retired in 2018 he had established a reputation for his knowledge, his integrity, and his willingness to teach and mentor those with whom he worked.   Steve was an avid collector of military memorabilia and was considered an "encyclopedia" of knowledge in the trade. He enjoyed traveling to attend expos and he met and maintained friendships with fellow collectors across the United States.   He also passed along his love of custom and classic cars to Jason and their mutual passion led to many shared adventures and long phone conversations discussing the latest auctions, shows, tools and toys. They were the best of friends.   Friends and family remember Steve's solid presence, his generosity and kindness, and his mischievous sense of humor.   He is survived by his wife, Joyce, of the home; their son, Jason (Sarah) of Oskaloosa, Kansas; his mother, Thelma (Rock) Smith of Houston, Texas; and his sister, Linda (Arden) Strycker and family of Houston, Texas. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Harry.   In lieu of a memorial service, the family will hold a celebration of life in the spring. Condolences may be sent to Joyce at home, or in care of Daniel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.   Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com