Community honors Kiowa couple among 67 killed in plane crash near DC airport

KIOWA, Kan. (KWCH) - Update: The Kiowa community came together to honor the Schrocks Saturday afternoon. Businesses in and around Kiowa closed for the funeral, and dozens of farmers lined the road to pay tribute to the Schrocks.

A man and a woman from Kiowa are among the 67 dead following Wednesday night’s mid-air collision near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport involving American Airlines flight 5342 out of Wichita and a military helicopter. On Thursday, 12 News spoke with those who knew Bob and Lori Schrock, a couple ed for their kindness and focus on their community.

Michael Simpson said he’s known the Schrocks since he was young and credits them for helping him at the boys’ ranch he runs, Freedom Gate Boy’s Ranch, as well as the children and teens he cares for. He said Bob and Lori were always there to help and never expected anything in return.

“At first I was like, ‘That can’t happen to us. Simpson said.

He recalled finding out Thursday morning that Bob and Lori were on board flight 5342.

“First thought I was thinking, Wichita is way too close to not impact. So I’m going through the Rolodex in my head, ‘Who do I know that might be flying out?’ Honestly, I never considered Bob and Lori,” Simpson said.

He re his friends for their selfless impact.

“Instead of taking their money and going and buying a car, which they had their full right to do, they said, ‘We want to help kids that we don’t even know,’” Simpson said. “You just don’t find people like that, and then don’t want any recognition, ‘Don’t put my name on a plaque.’ That’s just who they were.”

Simpson is left with his memories of the Schrocks and his last message to them.

“I said uh (to Bob), ‘Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it, brother. I hope you and your wife know how much I appreciate you, not simply because of your gifts which were always appreciated, but for the many years of encouragement before the boys’ ranch was even thought of. On top of that, the grass that grows in our pasture. I don’t have many friends like you. I love you, respect and appreciate you both very much. God bless you,’” Simpson said.

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