Growing up, Elbert’s parents were farmers and Pentecostal Evangelists who grew crops in the summer and spent the rest of the year preaching in churches, brush arbors, and tent revivals taking their 8 children with them on their journeys. As an adult, this passion for spreading the Gospel never left his heart, He endeavored to help churches however he could, whether it was helping to fund and support new church plants, supporting building programs, Church In A Day, or Missionaries around the world. In his nineties, he and his wife Louise began a nursing home ministry because he was so thankful for the great health the Lord had blessed him with. His heart was to see the growth of the Kingdom of God.
Being an entrepreneur, Elbert came up with many ways to have his own business. In the 1950’s and 60’s, he owned and operated Roark Auto Supply and Machine Shop in Nacogdoches. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the founding committee that worked to build the Fredonia Hotel. After retiring from the auto parts and machine business, he began a new career in real estate developing in Nacogdoches County.
When he was 9 years old, he made his first crop using a mule and a plow, and guidance from his grandfather. What he had learned about farming brought him much joy in retirement. He grew fruit trees, choice tomatoes, and delicious mustards and collards and shared the bounty with friends and family.
His grandchildren were a great source of joy. He loved their visits and kept his lake stocked with catfish and tilapia so they had a fishing hole available in his backyard.
Elbert and Louise loved to travel throughout the United States with friends and family. A trip to Branson, Mo. was a yearly tradition that resulted in many great memories and wonderful photos.
Elbert was a member of Eastside United Pentecostal Church for many years. While there he served on the building committee and contributed to helping many hearts have a beautiful House of Worship.
He will be missed by many, but they look forward to seeing him again on Heaven’s Bright Shores.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Carl Hillhouse; siblings, Ruth Petty, Lucius Cooper, Modeina Porter, Eddie Bea Vining, and James Roark.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Louise Roark; his son, Edwin Roark and wife Kristi; daughter, Jayne Hillhouse and husband Neal; brothers, David Roark and Joseph Roark; grandchildren, Benjamin Roark, Caleb Roark, Alexandra Boyer and husband Aaron, June Webb and husband Curt; great-grandchildren, Dustin Webb, Chase Webb, Haldon Hillhouse and Linsie Bobbitt; great great-grandchild, Daniel Bobbitt.
Services will be Sunday, April 18th at 3:00 PM at Eastside United Pentecostal Church in Nacogdoches, TX. Pastor Ennis Fuller will be officiating. Burial will follow at The Old Palestine Cemetery in Alto, TX.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches, Texas.
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