Stephenville loses officer, friend

By AMANDA KIMBLE
Staff Writer
amanda.kimble@empiretribune.com The Stephenville Police Department and area residents were devastated Tuesday by the loss of an officer.

Animal Control Officer Frank Morecock, 61, died of an apparent heart attack.


According to Penny Hallmark, public safety secretary for the department, and close friend of Morecock, said he first joined the department in March 1996.


Police Chief Roy Halsell said Morecock was greatly respected as an individual and also respected for his knowledge in his field. Halsell said Morecock was a great asset to the department.

“Within the department there was a great respect for Frank,” Halsell said. “There was respect for his animal control knowledge as well as his work ethic. There was also great respect for him as an individual.”

Hallmark also said Morecock had a personality that everyone loved.

“He was always upbeat and never said a bad word about anything or anyone,” Hallmark said. “He would always come into work early just so we could talk before his shift started.”

Hallmark said in doing his job, Morecock was doing what he knew and loved.

“He was very good at his job,” Hallmark said. “He loved animals and had great knowledge when it came to animals.”

In addition to more than a decade of serving the local community as an animal control officer, Morecock was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Morecock was born on March 1, 1947 in Richmond, VA and married his dear friend of many years, Debbie Phelps Roberts, on Sept. 1, 2007 in Stephenville.

Visitation will he held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Stephenville Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Valley Grove Baptist Church in Stephenville.

Those wanting to pay respect to Morecock’s life and career are encouraged to do so by making a monetary contribution to the Erath County Humane Society.

---

On a personal note:

I have known and worked with Frank the past 7 years. I never forget his face when he stood in front of my door after hours or on weekends, when the shelter was closed, with tears in his eyes and a half dead kitten or puppy in his hand, asking me to try to save it. That happened quite a bit.

Frank had my uttermost respect. He was a hero to me. Always there when I needed him for any animal-related situation. He went the extra mile for the critters. I miss him already.

Rest in Peace, Frank.