Gregory Lance Roark

Gregory Lance Roark, 61, of Leawood, Kan., went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Kansas City Hospice House. He was born on May 7, 1951, in Jefferson City, to Bobby and Cledith Roark. Gregory played exhibition baseball during his time in the U.S. Army and earned his degree at Southwest Missouri University. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous and was sober for 20 years, and was the Executive Director of Welcome House for the past 10 years. He is survived by his wife, Kim McCollam; mother, Cledith Johnson; daughter, Kristen Bazell; grandchildren, Christopher, Anna, and William Bazell; brother, Rocky Roark; sister, Alison Roark; step-mother, Linda Roark; step-brother, Tim McGlade; step-daughter, Jaime Maley; step-son, Jeremy Maley; step-grandson, Austin Hammer; aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dog, Hodo. Gregory was preceded in death by his father. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 23, at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood, Kansas City, immediately followed by a catered reception until 9:00 p.m. at Drexel Hall across the street from the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Welcome House Building Capital Campaign, 1414 E. 27th St., Kansas City, MO 64108, in memory of Greg Roark. Online condolences may be made at mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.