Howard Keith Roark

Howard Keith Roark, 89, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. Keith was born in Gypsum, Kansas on May 2, 1931, the 7th child of the late Bessie Myrtle (Davidson) and Frank Nathaniel Roark. He proudly served in the United States Army in the Korean War. On March 6th, 1955, Howard married the love of his life, Peggy Jo Mortimer in Gypsum, Kansas. Keith and Peggy were longtime members of Central Community Church, Wichita, Kansas. Keith retired as a Captain with the Wichita Fire Department in 1982. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Roark, of Wichita, Kansas; daughter, Debra Smith, (Roger), of Flippin, Arkansas; two sons, Brad Roark, (Pam), of Powell, Ohio, Mike Roark, of Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Sean Roark (Mika), Stephanie Faires (Chris); eight great grandchildren, Mikayla Faires, Calli Roark, Colbi Roark, Madeline Tharp, Ethan Tharp, Eva Gutierrez, Myah Gutierrez, and Dominic Gutierrez; honorary daughters, Tina Probert and Kim Roark He is preceded in death by sister, Irene Eberhart; brothers, Louis Roark, Carl Roark, J.D. Roark, Jess Roark, Ray Roark. Visitation will be Friday, May 8, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina, Kansas. A graveside service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 9 at Gypsum City Cemetery, Gypsum, Kansas. All are welcome to attend but must adhere to social distancing guidelines as set forth by the State of Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders and the Kansas Firefighters Museum, in care of the Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio, Salina, Kansas 67401.