Robert Roark

Robert Dean Roark, 80, Seneca, MO, went to meet his Lord and Savior, on October 6, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Robert Dean Roark was born July 26, 1945, in Joplin, MO the son of John and Vada (Bennett) Roark. He married the love of his life Mary Darlene Haddock May 28, 1965, in Anderson, Missouri. Robert served in the US Army in the 1st 22nd Infantry during the Viet Nam War. He was a Sargent (E5) and a combat veteran. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood then completed his AIT Infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was then deployed to Vietnam, where he served with Company C of the 1st 22nd Infantry. Robert received many combat medals and commendations, which included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with bronze star, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device. Upon return from Vietnam, Robert was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado for the remainder of his service. He was very proud of his service and so thankful for the many years of reunions that he was able to spend with the true heroes and Veteran Brothers that he served with in combat. Robert loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, blacksmithing, woodworking, fishing and camping. Robert worked for the former BF Goodrich Plant in Miami, OK. He attended Missouri Southern State College, Crowder College and NEO College and earned a degree in Automotive Technology. After completing the Automotive Technology Program at MSSU, Robert managed the Firestone and the Adam's Automotive garages in Joplin, Missouri and worked for Fink's Automotive garage in Seneca, Missouri. Robert was a man of God. He was the pastor and charter member of Hope Community Church. His goal in life was to serve God and to spread the love of Jesus.

Robert was preceded in death by his father John Roark, mother Vada (Bennett) Roark, brothers Clyde Roark and Ronnie Roark, his infant sister Shirley Roark and brother-in-law James Mertens.

Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Darlene Roark, his son Mike Roark and wife Valerie; his daughter Pamela (Roark) Beard and husband Gary; two granddaughters, Breanna (Roark) Stites and husband Austin, Megan (Roark) Cordray and husband Cody; 5 great-grandchildren, Weston Cordray, Kolton Cordray, Emily Cordray, Gracie Cordray and one on the way (Samuel Stites); his sisters Joan Marlow and husband Don, Oleta Bell, Janice Marlow and husband Larry and Arlene Mertens; a host of nieces and nephews and extended family, church family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Hope Community Church with Kelly Holt officiating. Following the service the body with be taken for cremation.

Arrangements under the personal direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.