Bennie Walter Bock, II

bennie bock, ii
Bennie Walter Bock, II, longtime New Braunfels resident and former Texas State Representative, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on June 29, 2022, at the age of 80. A 7th generation Texan, Bennie was a passionate public servant, businessman, attorney, and rancher. Bock was born in Lockhart, Texas, on May 17, 1942, and moved to New Braunfels at the age of 3. A 1960 graduate of New Braunfels High School, he went on to earn his Bachelors of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin in 1964 and his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s Law School in 1968. He worked for the Texas Attorney General’s Office after graduating from law school. In 1964, Bennie met Austin native Kathy Holmberg on a blind date, and her blue eyes mesmerized him. The two hit it off and were married in 1965, making their home in Austin. Four years later they were blessed with a daughter, Suzanne, and Bennie moved the young family back to New Braunfels where he would practice law. Kathy and Bennie welcomed their second daughter, Lucretia, in 1974. Bennie was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and held that office from 1972-1983, representing Comal, Guadalupe, and Caldwell counties. During his time in the legislature, Bennie made many significant contributions. He wrote and passed significant state laws in transportation, agriculture, historical preservation, parks and wildlife, and the tax and liquor industries, as well as strengthening laws against drug dealers and passing reconstitution of professional boards governing physicians, dentists, attorneys, and land surveyors. He served as the first House Chairman of the Sunset Advisory Commission, served on the Liquor Regulation Committee (1975-79, Chairman), and the Environmental Affairs Committee (1980-82, Chairman). He was the only member of the Texas Legislature to override a Governor’s veto in the last 76 years. In the 1978 Special Session, he introduced an amendment to “Abolish Texas Property Taxes” which lost in the House by three votes. The following year, he was voted the Most Conservative of all House Members (while a Democrat) by the College Republicans. He later became a Republican and made an unsuccessful run for the Texas Senate in 1986 in a hotly contested race. After his time in the legislature, Bennie lobbied for the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), raised and showed cutting horses and racehorses, and owned or operated many businesses including Seguin Motor Company (which earned the President’s Award twice under his leadership), KWED 1580 AM radio station in Seguin, Pinwheel Ranch and continued to maintain a law practice, as well as other entities. He was involved in many organizations which served the citizens of Texas and his community of New Braunfels: Texas Good Roads Association (2003-05); Texas Legislative Conference (2002, Chairman), and member of the Arrangements Committee (1983-2022); Director of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; former Chairman, Labor & Immigration Committee; former President, New Braunfels Sophienburg Museum & Archives; former President, New Braunfels Industrial Foundation; Life Member, University of Texas Ex-Students Association; Life Member, American Quarter Horse Association; President & Chairman, Creedmoor-Maha Water District. Bennie was honored with Conference Dedication at the 52nd Annual Texas Legislative Conference in 2018 and was awarded the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Honor Award in 2019. The true joys of Bennie’s life were his faith and his family. A longtime follower of Jesus, Bennie was a lay reader at St. John’s Episcopal Church and recently became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Caleb Bible Study was a big part of his life and met at his Mill Street Art Gallery office. Bennie was preceded in death by his parents Sue and Bennie Walter Bock, Sr.; his wife Katharyn Holmberg Bock; and his daughter Lucretia Carole Bock. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne Bock Badger, son-in-law Brian Edmond Badger, and niece Elizabeth Carterette Holmberg. He adored being “Papi” to granddaughter Rachel Carterette Badger, and his namesake, grandson Benjamin Neal Badger, who also survive him. He leaves behind many cousins and devoted friends. His love of storytelling about politics, art, and horses over a good meal of Black’s Barbeque will be missed by all. Bennie will be buried at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota St., Austin, TX, with a graveside service on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held later that afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 777 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 or to his nonprofit college scholarship fund, Ephesus Foundation, 387 W. Mill St., New Braunfels, TX 78130.

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  1. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services

  2. Bennie and I served together in the Texas House and I was on the committee he chaired in 1977. I was always impressed with his quiet dignity and fairness. Our profound sympathy to Suzanne and the family over his loss. We hope that your sadness over his loss is helped by the Precious Memories of your time together.

  3. He was the best “big brother” a girl could have. I will cherish so many memories of Bennie and our shared families! Penny Blackwell Baldwin

  4. I had the honor to serve Bennie as a Legislative assistant in the 64th Session and during much of the Interim during 1975-76. He was an effective Legislator because he had integrity, and with his low-key demeanor, he knew how to “run the traps.” He was a mentor to we “20 somethings”and put us in contact with people who would positively impact our futures. His family made a lasting impact on New Braunfels and him in his House district. I’m so glad that our paths crossed. And he was a great story-teller! Steve Hester San Antonio

  5. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of times together as you celebrate a life well lived

  6. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  7. Condolences to the family from Kay dell Powell Teaff. Bennie was my 3rd cousin. His grandmother was my grandmothers sister. Sending prayers to the family. Deepest sympathies.

  8. On behalf of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, I would like to send our sincere condolences to Mr. Bock’s family. As the first House Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Sunset Commission, he founded an important and valuable legislative oversight process that continues to serve the Legislature and all Texans today. I am so proud of the work we do at Sunset and none of it would be possible without Mr. Bock and his service and dedication to this great state. In sympathy, Jennifer Jones, Executive Director & the staff of the Sunset Commission

  9. Suzanne and family, I am so grieved and sorry to hear about Bennie. What a wonderful and remarkable devoted man. I praise God with you for his full and fruitful life. You have been through so much loss. May God comfort you and give you His peace that passes understanding. May you know His mercies that are new each morning and may the promise through faith in Christ of eternal life in His love and at home with Him bring you joy and strength for each day. A big hug and lots and lots of love to you. Julie and the Taylor Family


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