Ronald Lee Genus Roark

Mr. Ronald Lee Genus Roark, age 72 years, of Holts Summit, Mo., died Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at his home surrounded by his children after a battle with cancer. Ron was born October 27, 1942, in Jefferson City, Mo., a son of Howard and Margaret (Dauer) Roark. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Ron attended Jefferson City Public Schools. Ron served as a Yeoman Seaman with the United States Navy from December, 1959 until November, 1963 and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was employed with the Missouri Department of Corrections for 15 years prior to his retirement in 2001. During his retirement, he worked with Scholastic, Inc. for five years. Ron enjoyed walking five miles a day, gardening, fishing, dancing, and caring for his two dogs, Taz and Molly. Survivors include: five children, Alan Roark and his wife Susan of Jefferson City, Mo., Kevin Roark and his girlfriend, Peggy Baumhoer of Jefferson City, Mo., Lisa Roark and her partner Willie Fierro of Carlsbad, N.M., Paul Roark-Gruender and his husband Jimmy of Columbia, Mo., Dawn Wiegers and her husband Scott of Owensville, Mo.; four sisters, Cindy Ward of Columbia, Mo., Glenda Thomas of Florida, Joann Belisle of Fulton, Mo. and Angie Pyatt and her husband Rick of Fulton, Mo.; five grandchildren, Melissa Roark and her partner Chris Connit, Branden Roark and his wife Samantha, Brittany Ryder and her husband Phillip, Cameron Roark and Tyler Hicks and his wife Jessi; one step-grandson, Philip Wiegers and his girlfriend Caitlin Weber; three great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Margaret Wolf; and three brothers, Bobby Gene Jenkins, Kenneth Jenkins, and Michael Ray Roark. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center and Hospice Compassus for their loving care and support. A private family memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flower, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe Street, Suite #100, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com