John W. Carlock

July 6, 1960 – August 30, 2016

In celebration and memory of John W. Carlock's life, we would like to invite everyone to honor John at his home that he loved so much at 2401 Romar Road, Topeka, Kansas on Saturday, September 3, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M.

John began the journey of his life in Barstow, California on July 6, 1960 as the first and only son of Weldon O. (December 3, 1914 – December 5, 1992) and Frances Helen (Milohnic) Carlock (June 16, 1927 – March 24, 1984). He attended Hinkley Elementary and Middle Schools and Barstow High School He followed in the footsteps of his paternal grandparents Barry Washington and Maggie (Robinson) Carlock of San Angelo, Texas and father as a livestock rancher, raising livestock including cattle, hogs and chickens in California. He also worked as a carpenter setting roof trusses.

Although John lived a bit on the "Wild Side", he loved walking (in his own words, "John walks!"). He could often be found walking around his Topeka neighborhood with his dogs Chip and Jake or going to Dillons Market for a pack of cigarettes. He also loved water skiing, hiking or watching baseball before and after suffering a serious motorcycle accident on May 15, 1980.

Along his many walks through the neighborhood or to the market, John met many strangers that became his good friends. He lent a helping hand to anyone he found in need. He could be counted on for his strength of muscle, friendship, happy chuckle, contagious smile and laughter to all with whom he came in contact.

John is preceded in death by his parents and baby sister, Linda Elizabeth Carlock (May 27, 1962 – August 12, 1992) and brother-in-law, Michael Docherty and His many pets, especially all of the dogs he adopted, including Mickey, Penny, Spotty, Chip and Jake. John will be remembered by his three serving sisters, Carole Carlock-Giacona and husband Greg of Prescott, Arizona, Dianne Carlock and husband Wil of Topeka Kansas, and JoEllen Carlock Docherty of Santa Monica, California. He was uncle to one nephew, Eric Chavez of Louisville, Kentucky and three nieces, Tisha Chavez of Kansas City, Missouri, Christina Giacona and Alissa Giacona of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and far too many cousins and friends to mention by name and strangers that quickly became friends.

Always so very thankful of the kind strangers and wonderful friends that he met through life's journey but could rarely remember their names when calling his sisters to chat about his daily events each week. He always had a story to tell about his friends. He befriended many strangers in no time, whether it was from a walk and chat down the street or a lift to the market on a cold winter day. People recognized him by his brisk walk with his dogs, especially his big black dog, Chip. He always enjoyed the brief times when someone who would stop and chat, give him a lift or just a friendly wave hello. The message we all will remember is "John Carlock walks".

May everyone celebrate his final walk to his heavenly home, mentioning several times in recent days to his sisters that he was now beginning to fly, with some tears, remembrances, stories and even jokes. And like john always said:

"I'll see you when I see you!"