Dr. Michael Roark M.D., 74, of St. Louis, Missouri passed away at 1:20 am on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at SLU Hospital, surrounded by family.

Paul Michael (Mike) Roark was born on October 10, 1943 in Montgomery, AL to Dr. Paul and Elsie Marie (Nye) Roark of Peoria, IL. He graduated from high school at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL Class of 1961. Mike received his Bachelor’s in Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1965. He went on to earn his Medical Degree from St. Louis University in 1969, where he specialized in Ophthalmology. Mike was captain in the United States Air Force, where he served as a doctor during the Vietnam War. Upon honorable discharge, Dr. Roark returned to St. Louis, Missouri, where he started in private practice but later joined GHP and most recently Saint Louis Eye Clinic until he retired in 2003. He also practiced for a few years in Peoria, IL at Midwest Eye Care.

Dr. Michael Roark is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and youngest brother Timothy Roark. He is survived by his loving daughter, Michelle Roark, of Denver, CO; former spouse Beverly (Wohadlo) Roark of Schererville, IN; two sisters, Marne (Hoop) Roche of Corry, PA, and Jane (Larry) Schmitt of Kickapoo, IL; brother Patrick (Mary) Roark of Elmhurst, IL; Tim’s wife Mary (Moehn) Roark; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitations will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Wright & Salmon Mortuary in Peoria, IL. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 10 am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church with visitation at 9:30 am. Cremation rights have been accorded and burial of the ashes will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the American Lung Association.