NATCHEZ — A Mass of Christian Burial for the Rev. John Ohleyer Brock, 73, of Natchez, who died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at his residence, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary Basilica with Bishop Joseph N. Latino officiating.

Burial will be Wednesday at Greenwood Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the church followed by a wake service.

Rev. Brock was born March 25, 1937, in Cleveland, the son of W.H. and Leila Mae Ohleyer Brock. He grew up in Greenwood. After completing his seminary studies at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, La., and the North American College in Rome, Italy, Rev. Brock was ordained to the Catholic priesthood Dec. 19, 1962, in Rome.

For 47 years Rev. Brock served the Catholic faithful of Mississippi in churches in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Pearl, Greenville, Natchez, Meadville, Grenada and Charleston. He officially retired in September 2005, but continued to assist with sacramental ministry in various parishes.

In addition to his pastoral work in parishes, Rev. Brock was a longtime member of the faculty at St. Joseph High School in Jackson. He was a highly revered Latin teacher and band director whose classroom presence commanded respect from his students. The Rev. Brock believed one of the most important things a person could have was a balanced liberal arts education rooted in the classics and the arts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charles and David Brock.

Survivors include one sister, Rosemary Chaloult and husband, Angelo, of Gulfport.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.