Robert Roark

Robert ‘Bob’ Dale Roark, 78, of Westville, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, July 20, 2026. Born on June 11, 1948, in Danville, IL, to Kenneth and Kathryn (Blue) Roark, Bob lived a life defined by family, hard work, and a profound passion for motorsports.

Bob was a proud member of the Olive Branch #0038 Masonic Lodge and honorably served his community as a reserved firefighter in the Air Force. Beyond his career as a Supervisor at ASFI, Bob will be remembered as a master craftsman in the auto shop. What began as a hobby with his father and brother, quickly became a lifelong dedication. Across the motorsport's community, people always talked about how the Roark brothers built top-end show cars, motorcycles, and racecars.

He spent countless hours in the garage welding frames, tuning engines, and perfecting the vivid color, especially chrome plating, of the variety of cars he touched. He was a master of his craft, known for his precision, build work, and especially proud of the build he participated in the 40 Ford. He built more than just race cars; he built memories. His patience in the pits, mechanical ingenuity, and love for the racing community left a permanent mark on all who knew him.

He was a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and gear head for life, and his presence will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife Connie Roark (Newmister); children Shelly (Josh) Rainey, Salena Woodrow (whom he shared with former wife, Char Pierce), Todd & Sean Quillman; his brother Ronald ‘Ron’ (Pat) Roark, grandchildren Mackenzie (Brooks) Chumley, Logan (Justin) Long, Braden (Morgan) Rainey, Lauren & Ryan Beirl, Sophia & Crosby Woodrow, and Dakota Robertson; and great-grandchildren Aiden Chumley and Eleanor & Amelia Long; many nieces, nephews and forever friends, along with his two Weimaraner, Marley and Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Kathryn Roark and his brothers Larry & Terry Roark.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 28 from 4pm - 8pm CST at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Urbas Chapel 414 South State Street Westville, Illinois. We will start the visitation with Military Rites at 4pm CST and conclude with Masonic Rites at 8pm CST. Attendees are encouraged to share their favorite racing memories and wear their favorite racing or casual attire. Please join Bob's family in sharing pictures, videos, and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com