Melvin Eugene Roark

Melvin Eugene Roark, 76, of Baytown, Texas, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 25, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on January 15, 1946, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School of Baytown in 1964. He worked for Exxon Mobil as an electrician and retired after 31 years with the company.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Melvin E. Roark enlisted in the United States Army on April 13, 1966.  Upon completion of basic training, Private Roark was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood where he was promoted to the grade of Private First Class and trained as a Construction Machine Operator in preparation of his forward deployment to Vietnam.  While serving in Vietnam, Private First-Class Roark served as Bulldozer Operator where he supported numerous American operations while under constant enemy fire and duress.  Additionally, during his Vietnam tour Private First-Class Roark was promoted to the rank Sergeant where he expertly led soldiers in combat operations to thwart the North Vietnamese government’s hostile actions to occupy South Vietnam. Upon completion of his combat tour in Vietnam, Sergeant Roark garnered numerous accolades while heroically serving his nation.  These medals include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with Device, two Overseas Service Bars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Badge on the M-14 rifle.  Sergeant Roark continued to serve in various positions until April 12, 1968, when he was honorably discharged from active duty at Company A, 51st Engineer Battalion, Third U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Roark reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Melvin never met a stranger and made many friendships. He was an avid golfer and built his own golf course in his backyard. He especially enjoyed playing golf with his son, Tyler. He also loved working in his yard and spending time with his cat, Goldman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Rachel Pickering Roark, and brothers, Arlen and Clyde Roark.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Riley Sue O’Bryan Roark; sons, John Sommerfeld and Tyler Roark; daughter, Misty Morgan and husband, Kelly, honorary daughter, Sondra Brignac and husband, Norman; granddaughter, Miranda Morgan; grandson, Alex Sommerfeld; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alice and Doug Street of Porter, Shirley and Chuck Harmon of Mont Belvieu, Debbie and Bobby Hardin of Porter, Sandra and Mark Pattillo of Corpus Christi and Lisa and Kenny Parker of Humble; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

His family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home in Baytown, Texas. A celebration of his life will be held at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 1, 2022, with Mike Rodriguez officiating. Burial will be held immediately after the service at Cedarcrest Cemetery in Baytown, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Fergerson, Gilbert Fergerson, Pat Shepherd, Tim Guidry, Rex Hudspeth, and Jim Romero. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Tippett and Chuck Harmon.

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