Herman Roark

Herman Roark Jr, 83, of Versailles passed away June 16, 2025. He was born October 5, 1941 to the late Herman and Nancy Roark. Herman was a story teller. As a child, his mother would tell him Bible stories that he could always repeat while she did her housework. His dad was also busy telling stories along with the uncles who shared their war stories. His Mortonsville teacher, Mr. Marlin, encouraged him through the teaching of history. His life was filled with history so there was always a story to tell.
He also had visions that other people didn't have or develop. While working with Rockwell International, he developed several alternate machining methods that resulted in saving the department, plant, and company a significant cost. In real estate class, Herman put his plan together to sell the Pin Oak farm to the University of Kentucky. His determination started with the dean of agricultural through two presidents and took two and a half years of dedication to complete. He was a vocational machinist instructor who helped men to excel in their careers. He was born a farmer and carried that passion with him throughout his life. Above all else, he was a Christian. He loved the Lord and was a long time member of the Versailles Baptist Church. He read his Bible and knelt daily in prayer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Timothy and Mark (Susan) Roark.
Herman always said he would leave this world loving his wife Lena Shouse Roark of 60 years. His grandchildren, Jacob, Maggie, and Haleigh Roark and great grandchildren, Jayden and Kace Dalton were always the sunshine of his life. His brother Floyd (Barbara) Roark was his farming hero. Other family members-Jeffrey (Diana) Roark, Denise Roark, Fred and Kathleen Coke, and Genell Shouse. Special friends-Philip Dotson, Larry Atwood, Granville Leach, David Webster, and Roger Bennett. Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 20th at Sunset Memorial Gardens in the chapel.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and leave messages of condolence here on Herman's tribute page.