Wiley Clinton Roark

Wiley Clinton Roark, age 87, of Aurora, Colorado, was born on his grandparent's farm in Iberia, MO, to Arthur and Jessie (Shackelford) Roark. He passed away on October 2nd, 2015, at his place of residence.

Wiley is survived by his wife Evelyn (Bax); they were married for 69 years.

Wiley's siblings are Earl (deceased), Jewell of Raytown, MO, and Mary Patricia (Adams) of Independence, MO.

His children and their families include:
Linda Raymond (Arvada, CO) - her children; Sean Jenson (wife Lorae) of Thornton, CO, and Jeanette Jenson (husband Damian Smith) of Lakewood, CO.
Clinton Roark (wife Patty) of Ocala, FL - their children; Kimberly Roark-Loveland (husband Joe) of Centennial, CO, and Allison Odom (husband Sean) of Colchester, VT, with two great grandchildren; Theodore and Chloe Odom.
Deborah Lynn of Lone Tree, CO - her children; Jessica and Brianna. Also, Dr. Robert Nelson (embraced as son) (wife Sharron) of Lakewood, CO, - his daughter Heather Coan (husband Rob) of Aurora, CO, and their daughter Kadance.

Wiley spent his younger years growing up in Iberia, MO, until his family moved to Jefferson City, MO. There he met and married Evelyn Bax.

Moving to Kansas City, MO, he began working in construction along with his father and brothers. While continuing to develop his skills both in Kansas City and in Denver, he became a Master Carpenter working in many different construction environments including housing, hospitals, airports, dams, missile silos and sky scrapers. He, also, partnered with his brother, Jewell, in the sawdust business for a while in Kansas City, MO.

In 1948 Wiley joined the Marine Reserves hoping to make a few extra dollars for his growing family. When the Korean War broke out he was among the first on a ship heading overseas. His unit was in North Korea when they found themselves surrounded by 200,000 of the Chinese Army. Outnumbered ten to one and in sub-zero temperatures, they had to fight their way out. He was proud to be a Marine.

While working in Colorado, he and Evelyn fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and decided to pull up roots and move the family to the Denver area.

Whenever the opportunity arose, they would pack up the kids and head for the hills - sometimes just for long drives (which included picnic lunches) or looking for Aspen Gold or weekends filled with camping and exploring four wheel drive trails searching for the best places to catch rainbow trout. He would often ask, "Would you like to see a picture of my fish?!"

Wiley and Evelyn were living in Las Vegas before retiring and returning to Colorado. They both enjoyed the slot machines and, more often than not, came home with a little more than they went with.

Along with their love of fishing, together they, also, loved bowling, square dancing, playing cards and enjoyed many long lasting friendships throughout the years.

Wiley dearly loved his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his favorite moments were the ones he spent with his family.

He was always there to help anyone who was in need or who needed assistance with any project large or small.

He was loved!


To share a memory of Wiley or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.