Walden Roark

Walden Roark, 87, of Carcassonne, passed away Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Greg and Noreen Wells Bluegrass Hospice Care Center in Hazard, Kentucky. He was born December 17, 1933 to the late Fernando (Nando) Roark, Sr. and the late Mallie Combs Roark. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nona Jane Whitaker Roark, two sons Jeffery Alan Roark (the late Vina) and Jesse Brian Roark (Abigail); one daughter Stella Wray Roark Rackey (the late Glenn). Seven grandchildren - Wm. Andrew Roark, Heather Michelle Mollett Woods (Dustin), Candice Wray Mollett Setzer (Jon), Brian Douglas Roark (Andrea), Jesse Ryan Roark, Rebekah Jane Roark Combs (Michael) and Braxton Lee Rackey, Two step-grandchildren Glenn Rackey, Jr. and Julius Rackey. Five great-grandchildren also survive - Luke Westin Setzer, Grant Paul Woods, Macy Michelle Woods, Parker Jane Setzer, and Axel Douglas Roark. Two step-great-grandchildren Glenn Rackey, III and Brooke Rackey.

Walden is survived by one brother, Lowell Roark (Betty) and one sister Rochelle Breeding. He was preceded in death by one sister, Rilda Steele, and seven brothers - Kermit, John, Nando Jr., Taylor, Hiram, Grant Wayne, and Adrian. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends are left to mourn his passing. 

Walden was a graduate of Vicco High School, Caney College (now called Alice Lloyd College), and the University of Kentucky. He taught school for 30 years in the Perry County School System. 

After retirement, Walden enjoyed farming, gardening, digging for Indian artifacts, and hauling house coal. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Funeral: 1:00 O'clock P.M. Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the Letcher Funeral Home Chapel with Emory Caudill, Elwood Cornett, Jim Fields, Allen Fugate, and David Jent officiating. Visitation: 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Letcher Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Solomon H. Whitaker Cemetery at Carcassonne, Kentucky.