John J. "Jack" O'Rourke, 91, of Parsons, died at 1:20 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Elmhaven East Nursing Home. He had been in failing health.
He was born February 9, 1917, in Parsons, Kansas, to Bernard J. and Cecilia (Conlin) O'Rourke. He grew up in Parsons where he attended St. Mary's Elementary School, graduated from Parsons High School in 1934, and was in the only flying class at Parsons Junior College where he earned his private pilot license. He had worked as an assistant educational advisor in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier where he retired following 30 years of service. Following retirement, he started AAA Carpet which he operated for 15 years.
He and Loretta Carr were married February 7, 1942, in Pittsburg, Kansas. She preceded him in death April 25, 1998.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church; a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, reading, traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He served as scout leader for Boy Scout Troop No. 8 at St. Patrick's. He was an avid dog lover his entire life.
SURVIVORS:
Two Sons - Michael O'Rourke Smyrna (Atlanta), GA
Dan O'Rourke and his wife, Cathy Overland Park, KS
Three Grandchildren
Several Great Nieces and Great Nephews including Bob Edwards of Parsons
Numerous Great-Great-Nieces and Great-Great-Nephews
He was preceded in death by three brothers, one sister, a son, Tim O'Rourke; and a daughter, Coleen.
Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the Rosary in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Restoration Fund or the St. Patrick's Catholic School Endowment Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John J. O'Rourke, please visit our flower store.
He was born February 9, 1917, in Parsons, Kansas, to Bernard J. and Cecilia (Conlin) O'Rourke. He grew up in Parsons where he attended St. Mary's Elementary School, graduated from Parsons High School in 1934, and was in the only flying class at Parsons Junior College where he earned his private pilot license. He had worked as an assistant educational advisor in the Civilian Conservation Corps.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier where he retired following 30 years of service. Following retirement, he started AAA Carpet which he operated for 15 years.
He and Loretta Carr were married February 7, 1942, in Pittsburg, Kansas. She preceded him in death April 25, 1998.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church; a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, reading, traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He served as scout leader for Boy Scout Troop No. 8 at St. Patrick's. He was an avid dog lover his entire life.
SURVIVORS:
Two Sons - Michael O'Rourke Smyrna (Atlanta), GA
Dan O'Rourke and his wife, Cathy Overland Park, KS
Three Grandchildren
Several Great Nieces and Great Nephews including Bob Edwards of Parsons
Numerous Great-Great-Nieces and Great-Great-Nephews
He was preceded in death by three brothers, one sister, a son, Tim O'Rourke; and a daughter, Coleen.
Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the Rosary in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Restoration Fund or the St. Patrick's Catholic School Endowment Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John J. O'Rourke, please visit our flower store.
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