Russell James Rourk

Russell James Rourk, 86, resident of Bronaugh, Mo., died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, at the Mercy Health Center. He was born on April 15, 1924, in Swart, Mo., the son of Roy Elba Rourk and Laura June McDaniel Rourk. He was a graduate of Arcadia High School and Fort Scott Community College. He married Carolyn Middleton on June 10, 1951, at Petersburg, Kan. Russell farmed his own farm as well as owning and operating the Firestone store. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, of the home; one son, Russell L. Rourk and wife, Sonia Thaylee, Bronaugh; two grandchildren, Jennifer Rourk and Shane Peterson and wife, Lisa; four great-grandchildren, Emily, October, Tatum and Kutter Peterson; three step-grandchildren, Tim and Anna Smith, and Elise McNeil; two step-great-grandchildren, Alisha and Adriona Smith; and one step-great-great-granddaughter, Korellen Smith. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Rebecca Bailey; one daughter-in-law, Ellen Rourk; two brothers, Paul and Alva Rourk; one sister, Fay Davis; as well as his parents.

The Rev. Dr. Dale Cummins will conduct services at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Friday, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church c/o the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, PO Box 347, Fort Scott.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.