Final Salute

Rex Charles Roark, 88, of Star City, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020. He was born October 22, 1931 in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Frank Wendell and Evie Turner Roark. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Daisy Christine Roark; sons Michael David (Rosemary) and Scott (Rose) Roark; and two brothers, Harry Roark and Tom Roark.

Beginning in 1950 to 1977, Rex reported to San Diego, Calif., for basic training followed by various tours to destinations including Port Hueneme, Calif., for Seabee training; Alaska; South Pacific; Danang, Vietnam; Yokosuka, Japan; Dong Ha, South Korea; and Washington, DC.

He was Master Chief Petty Officer whose tasking was to provide support for various construction projects including building base camps, roads, airstrips and bridges to support Marine and Army forces. Later, as Command Master Chief for the Third Naval Construction Brigade, he supervised the withdrawal of all naval construction personnel from Vietnam. His last assignment with the Pentagon Navy Department concluded his Navy career and he returned to AR with Skil Corporation and eventually to Conway, Ark., where he devoted himself to helping his wife battle cancer. After her death in 1996, Roark married his second wife and moved to Star City.

Rex was a member of First Baptist Church of Star City; Regional President for the Fleet Reserve; former President of AR State VFW, and member of the Governor’s Council –Veterans’ Affairs for 22 years and served under three Governors.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sue Ann Roark of Star City; son, Rex Todd (Desarae) Roark of Conway; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service, Star City, Online obit www.griffinfuneralservice.net.