Dannie Ray Roark, 71, passed away on Dec. 11, 2023, in Vincennes, with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law present.

Born on July 26, 1952, in Linton, to Clifford Avery and Violet “Marie” (Fitzpatrick) Roark, it would be possible to imagine Dannie entering the world with his mischievous grin or friendly smile. Throughout his life, Dannie remained proud to be a native of the small town of Westphalia where he developed lifelong friendships. He first was a Westphalia Wildcat, then a Sandborn Bluejay, and finished his education as a North Knox Warrior. He was an excellent student, played cornet in the high school band, enjoyed playing baseball his junior and senior years, among other activities. Dannie had a fondness for his fellow members of the class of 1970 such that he kept in touch with a number of them well beyond graduation.

Hard-working, dependable, but also fun-loving were among his attributes in the work world. While in high school, he worked at the Westphalia IGA. There he was a “trainer” for the high school student who was taking his place there. (A few years later she became his wife.) The grain elevator in Westphalia was his first job after high school. While working there, he enjoyed bantering and playing an occasional trick on those with whom he worked, along with serving the farmers. A career move came when Dannie was hired at Public Service Indiana’s (PSI) Edwardsport power plant. Gibson Station was a PSI plant just getting started near Mount Carmel, Illinois. On May 5, 1974, Dannie started in its maintenance department and on July 1, 2008, retired as a planner/scheduler from what had become Duke Energy. Finally, he worked five more years as a sub-contractor near the site of the new Duke Energy Edwardsport plant before retiring permanently.

Dannie married Brenda (Spanger) Roark on Dec. 7, 1974. They recently quietly celebrated their 49th anniversary, made even more special by the thoughtfulness of friends and family. Blessings acquired during those years, beyond the families from which they’d each originally come, included a daughter, Lori, and the family she and her husband, Chris, created. Dannie will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and “papaw.”

Salem United Church of Christ (UCC) in Westphalia, Dannie’s home church, was where he was confirmed. After moving to Vincennes, in 1978 he became a member of St. John’s UCC. Ways Dannie participated in the church included co-coaching its church league softball team, helping operate the sound system, being on the house committee, and serving as a member of the church board. Other memberships included the YMCA of Vincennes, BPO Elks No. 291, Moose Lodge 281, Vincennes Athletic Booster Club, and AARP.

Hobbies included all things sports — whether participating, watching on TV or, most importantly, watching his grandsons participate. Baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball and golfing (where he proudly achieved a hole-in-one) were all sports he enjoyed playing over the years. He was also an avid IU fan, especially men’s basketball, and had been a Bobby Knight fan. As a young child, Dannie became a Mickey Mantle fan and continued to root for the New York Yankees, despite their many detractors. It was very difficult for Dannie, after moving to Vincennes, to become a Lincoln Alices fan, having been a North Knox graduate. However, once Lori began playing volleyball and basketball, he was hooked! Then came the grandchildren and he became among their top fans (along with their teammates.) The granddaughter’s dance lessons came late in the game for Dannie, but he would undoubtedly have supported her in that as well.

Surviving Dannie are his wife, Brenda; daughter, Lori Sanders (Chris); and grandchildren, Joel, Carson, and Avery Sanders, all of Vincennes; and brother, Ronnie Roark (Sue Walkup) of Kendallville. Extended family includes brother-in law, John Spanger (Jan); and sister-in- law, Deb Spanger; along with nieces, nephews, an aunt, cousins and many dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Barbara; parents-in-law, Walter and Dorothy Spanger; and beloved shelter dogs, Jody and Sophie.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the service begins at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 606 N. Fifth St. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Vincennes. For those who cannot attend but wish to view the service, go to St. John’s United Church of Christ Vincennes and watch on Facebook Live (or when posted there later).

The family greatly valued the compassion, humor, and skill of those who cared for Dannie these past few months at Gentlecare and through St. Croix Hospice.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests that you consider a donation in Dannie’s name to any of the following: St. John’s UCC, 606 N. Fifth St., Vincennes, IN 47591; Vincennes Animal Shelter, 1128 River Road, Vincennes, IN 47591; YMCA of Vincennes, 2010 College Ave., Vincennes, IN 47591.

Online condolences are welcomed by the family at www.fredrickandson.com.