Elba Gene Roark, 71 of Independence, Mo passed away Saturday June 29th, 2024 from Aggressive Fast Paced Dementia. Elba Gene leaves behind wife of 49 years Kathleen S Jones-Roark, Daughter Racheal R Johnston and husband James, Daughter Kimberly S Francis and husband Joel, Daughter Christina J Youngs and husband Ben. Three grandkids Douglas Gene Williams, Hunter Gene Roark and Amelia May Youngs and Great Grand Daughter Lila Jean-Marie Roark Sisters Linda Reitz, Alice Haynes and husband David, Sharon Hyde, Sandra Nolen, Kathy Fenwick and husband Alan, Sheila Harrison and husband Larry, Brother in law Jerry Dorrance, Mother In Law Amelia R Jones, Brother in law Gordon Jones and wife Jeanie, Sister in law Carol Boley and husband Carl, Betty Hall and husband Wayne, Sister in law Jody Vernay-Jones, Sister in law Kathy Jones. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and friends. He joins in Heaven his mother and Father Elba A and Vernita L Roark, Father-in-law Garland W Jones, Sister Marsha Dorrance, Brother in laws Belton Nolen, Brent Reitz, Michael Hyde, Gary Jones, Garland Jones, Virgil Rinehart, Niece Jennifer Rowzee along with many others. Family will hold a Celebration of Life Picnic at a later date look for Facebook notifications on this from his daughter Racheal. Family asks in lieu of any flowers/plants make a donation in Elba Gene Roark’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Obituary submitted by family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Belton Nolen
3 Jul 2024I have many memories with Uncle Elba. But the one that plays over and over in my head is seeing him play gigs. He was the coolest guy I knew and I wanted to be just like him. He is why I love playing guitar and have a borderline obsession with fishing. He taught me cars and electrical work. He was practically a 2nd dad. We were planning on seeing him the Friday after he passed but the memories of him and with him will fill my heart forever. He will be missed. I am praying for the family during this time. May the Holy Spirit wrap his loving arms around you guys and provide you with peace and comfort. Love you all. -Belton
Misty Young
3 Jul 2024I am missing him deeply. 😢 He held a very special place in my heart, and that piece is broken and will never be put back together. I can’t wait to see him again in Heaven one day…
Racheal Johnston
3 Jul 2024Daddy (my hero) I know you are in a better place but I sure do miss you! I LOVE YOU TO THE HEAVENS AND BACK. I will take care of everyone here and make sure that your legacy forever lives on! We miss you so much already but know that you have all your memories back and you will be in the presence of all our loved ones that are their with you. If you get a chance send me a Cardinal every once and a while to remind me that your with me.
Angela
8 Jul 2024I have fond memories with my Uncle Elba. I did not grow up living in KC, but in my adulthood I transitioned back to KC and my cousin and I followed him and his band around KC like little groupies. We hung out, danced and had many good times watching them play on the weekends. He loved his music, and we enjoyed watching him play and sing. Until we meet again. Prayers to the family for comfort and peace.
Alice
17 Jul 2024Elba was our only brother. There were 8 siblings. I remember how you taught yourself as a preteen to play the guitar. You heard a song on the radio and it wasn’t much longer and you were playing it. You never had lessons. Your love of music filled the room passionately. Our mom always asked you to play and sing one of her favorite songs, On The Other Hand. The love you had for your family and friends were vivid. You were hard working but loved having fun. I’m glad you loved fishing because we loved your fish fries. Love you forever and always. Alice Haynes
Amanda son
28 Jul 2024Wow…my childhood memories were made so much better with the roark family….Kathy and gene treated me as if I was their own…so many memories even after I had my first child way back in 98 yall still treated me as if I was your own..Kathy and Rachel watches my new born so I could go with Kimberly and Christina and gene to get to take a break and go watch gene play in the ozarks…loved when him and his band played just so many memories….gene I know you are in a better place no more pain no more suffering rip gene a fly high as I know you will!!! Just know I love yall deeply and know he’s there with everyone one of you all u gotta do is close ur eyes and feel him. I love you Kathy, Rachel, Kimberly, Christina,….thank you for making my childhood so much better than it was!!
Alyssa Sorgen
6 Aug 2024I don’t have many memories in adulthood with Uncle Elba but the ones I do have are so vivid that they feel as if they just happened I remember being at his house (kind of on a farm) with a lot of land and hay bales galore. We would hike up to the lift and then jump down onto the hay. I’m not sure Uncle Elba was even aware of what we kids were doing because he was too busy playing songs with his band. I remember him with long head hair and facial hair. He would ride a motorcycle and I just remember him being so very cool. His elusiveness added to the image I had in my mind of him being cool.
Even though I didn’t know him all that well, he was always quick to give hugs and a smile. Even though he is not physically here, as long as we remember him, then he is not truly lost.
Death does not have to mean goodbye.