Gaylord Franklin Roark

Gaylord Franklin Roark, 89, passed away on September 7th, 2025, at Carriage Court Senior Living. Gaylord was born on April 30th, 1936, in Brushy Fork in Salyersville, Kentucky, to Guy and Thelma Roark.

Gaylord was a long-time resident of West Jefferson, Ohio, but was currently living at Carriage Court Senior Living. He was a faithful member of the Miami Valley United Baptist Church in Fairborn, Ohio, since 2005. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Gaylord was a union electrician by trade and a member of the IBEW Local 82. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting guns. Gaylord was a lifetime member of the Hilltop Sportsman Club and the National Rifle Association.

Gaylord is survived by his son-in-law Forrest Brock, Jr.; his three grandchildren: Jason (Angie) Brock of Columbus; Joseph Shawver of South Solon, and Mariah (Jordan) Baird; 11 great-grandchildren: Brody (Ashley), Taylor, Dillon, Alexis, Madison, Hunter, CJ, Landen, Carliee, Hayliee, and JJ. Gaylord is also survived by one brother, Corky (Patsy) Roark, and three sisters: Jewell, Faye (David), and Zelda (Ed).

He was preceded in death by his parents: Guy and Thelma Roark; his loving wife of 69 years, Betty; daughters: Donetta Brock and Deretha Hackney; and son Guy Roark; granddaughter’s Jennifer Robinson, and Amy Roark.

Gaylord was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather (Pops).

The Viewing will be at the RADER-McDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 W. MAIN STREET, WEST JEFFERSON, OH, 43162, Thursday, September 11th, 2025, from 5pm-8pm where his Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 12th, 2025, Visitation from 11am-12pm, the Service will begin at 12pm, with Elder Arvil Murray Jr, Elder Curt Smith, and Elder Robert Hackney Presiding. Burial will be in the Foster Chapel Cemetery.

If anyone chooses to do so, you may contribute to a charity of your choosing or to Alder Chapel United Baptist Church in Gaylord’s name.