Franklin W. Roark, 97, of Westville, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011 at The Waters of Duneland in Chesterton.

He was born November 30, 1913 in London, Kentucky to Jess and Martha (Roark) Roark.

On March 21, 1936 in Crown Point, he married Irene Payne who passed away on December 5, 1981.

Frank is survived by his daughters Norma Roark and Lois Sims both of Union Mills, Vanda Cook of Walkerton, his sons Metro (Linda) Roark of DeMotte, Calif., (Alice Ann) Roark of Lowell, Roger (Sharon) Roark of Michigan City, and Jerry Roark.

Fifteen grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren also survive him.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Frank was owner of the Evergreen Beagle Kennels for 40 years where he raised many state and national field champions. He was a member of the Westville Lions Club and the Northwest Indiana Beagle Club.

Earlier in life, he worked for Bawl & Knox where he poured tank hulls for use during WW II, many years at Youngstown Sheet & Tube-Mittal Steel, and retired as superintendent at the Michigan City Water Works.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, at the Newhard Funeral Home, 58 W. Walnut St., Westville. Pastor Mike Eddy will officiate. Burial will be in Pinhook Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Westville Lions Club or the Westville Historical Society. www.newhardfuneralhome.com

Posted 11/15/2011