Gary Roark

Gary D. Roark, 74, Seneca, MO, passed into eternal rest at 5:45pm, August 24, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin after a sudden illness. Gary Dean Roark was born November 12, 1940 in Newton County, MO the son of Paul Thomas and Maggie Catherine (Hutchison) Roark.  Gary was a 1958 graduate of Seneca High School.  Gary was the Newton County Emergency Management Director a position he held for 20 years. Gary served his country in the Missouri Army National Guard and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring.  He also served 5 terms (10) years as the Mayor of the City of Seneca.  Gary was a member of the Christ Community United Methodist Church in Joplin. Gary D. Roark married Emilee Jane (Janie) Fisher, July 21, 1961 in Webb City, MO and she survives.  Additional survivors include one son Brian D. Roark and wife Angie, Seneca; one daughter, Angela Wolfinbarger and husband Rob, Seneca, Grandchildren Kyle Roark, Megan Roark, Brett Roark, Kaylee Wolfinbarger and Parker Wolfinbarger all of Seneca; great-grandchild Brayden Roark, Seneca; one brother, Max Roark and wife Cheryl, Seneca and a host of friends and family. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Maggie Roark (Lankford) and one brother, Bobbie Roark.  Funeral services under the personal direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Christ Community United Methodist Church, 2700 E 44th St. Joplin, MO with Pastor Chris Sloan officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with Max Roark, Kevin Wilson, Greg Hickman, Keith Stammer, Jim Jackson and Jim Otey serving as pallbearers. Military rites will be conducted at the Seneca Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Kyle Roark, Brett Roark and Parker Wolfinbarger.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2016 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.  In lieu of flowers memorial contribution can be made to the Christ Community United Methodist Church Building Fund in care of the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home PO Box 380 Seneca, MO 64865.