William J. Roark, age 53 of Lancaster, Kentucky and formerly of Brookville, Indiana died Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at his residence in Lancaster, Kentucky. Born March 13, 1962 in Connersville, Indiana he was the son of Thomas F. Roark & Joyce (Roark) Hertel. He attended Brookville High School, and in 1997 he received his degree in Sociology from IU East in Richmond, Indiana. He had worked at the former Visteon in Connersville for several years before moving to Lancaster, Kentucky to be near his children. William started a Karaoke Business and played various local venues as well as in Kentucky. His passions in life included his children, grandchildren, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and he also had a deep love of his grandmother, Fannie Nichols. He and his grandmother Fannie shared the same birthday, March 13, and out of devotion to her he always planted roses wherever he lived. Survivors include his mother & step-father, Joyce A. & Thomas E. Hertel of Brookville; three brothers Gregory, Richard, and Paul Thomas; two children, April Marie and William J. Roark II, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; as well as many aunts uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Roark. Mark Burton Sr. & Thomas E. Hertel will officiate the Memorial Services on Saturday, October 24, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the Works of Mercy Center, 273 Main Street Brookville. Interment will be in Old Franklin Cemetery. Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Roark family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com