Michael K. Roark

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Michael K. Roark on January 29, 2022 at the age of 60. Born November 4, 1961 to Mary and Keith Roark of Evansville Indiana. Michael graduated from Central High school in 1980. After graduating Michael got his start working for Ken Fields “k”onstruction and the next 15 years for the Town of Darmstadt (1991-2006) as the Superintendent of Maintenance where he maintained roads, sewers and easements, dubbing himself a certified "shitologist." He went on to work for Action Automation and most recently for the Vanderburgh 4H-Center as the Buildings and Grounds Manager (2014-2022) where he worked with a group of wonderful friends he called family. Michael was most proud of his early years raising his two kids Kari Jo and Michael. He was a loving hands on father who enjoyed every moment of their childhood spoiling them and supporting their many activities but what he enjoyed most was just being their Dad and spending as much time as possible with them enjoying the everyday moments together. Michael also loved being a grandpa to his two oldest grandchildren Matthew and Lucas Lynch. Loving and supporting them as he watched them grow from fun loving, adventurous children into the fine young men they are today. Michael was blessed with a special group of lifelong friends from 3rd grade, David, known as “Curly”, Dennis “Hooter”, Jeff “Chunk” and Kevin “Little Buddy”. They were the brothers he never had and he loved them deeply. Their time together always resulted in a lot of shenanigans and exaggerated storytelling as they would recall all the memorable moments they shared together through the years. Mike had many many dear friends all of which he loved and cherished like family. You made his life richer and your love and support have been overwhelming. Mike walked this earth loving God and loving people making friends everywhere he went. He spent every day looking for an opportunity to be a blessing to others. He was widely known for his generosity and his huge heart. He made a difference in this world by demonstrating the simple act of being humble and kind. There was no truer or better friend than his beautiful, loyal, German Shepherd Tia. Mike and Tia were always together whether at work or play. They section hiked the Appalachian Trail numerous times together, traveled out west exploring the beautiful National Parks and took many road trips to Florida to visit his family. Tia was Mike’s ultimate best friend and Mike was her everything! Michael enjoyed the great outdoors, hiking and traveling with his beautiful dog Tia and was a loyal Indiana Colts fan. He was a longtime member of Christian Fellowship Church where he grew in his faith and love for others. He had a silly knack for passing out nicknames to most everyone he knew that quickly became your new permanent name for life. He touched so many lives and made it a point to make all those he encountered feel important and special. Michael is also survived by his four older sisters, Jona Whitherspoon, Rene’ Anderson (Scott), Melissa Baehl (Roger), and LaVonne Dillman (Tom). Michael was a great brother, always there for his sisters in every way imaginable. He loved being their big little brother and they could always count on him to come to their rescue and save the day. He is also survived by additional grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and their families who he loved dearly, and his numerous extended family members in Canada. He was the best Brother, Uncle, and Grandpa ever! He is preceded in death by his beautiful mother, Mary Whitfield; father, Willie Keith Roark; and grandparents, Willie and Lucille Roark. Visitation and services will be held at Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Road, Evansville, Indiana, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00. Funeral Services will be on Monday, February 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.with burial to follow at Alexander Memorial Park. Guests are invited to wear Colts blue and white in honor of Mike's favorite football team, The Indianapolis Colts. The funeral service will be livestreamed at https://cfcclassic.online.church