Dates
Louis Edward Rork passed away on February 10, 2024, after a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy. Louis was born in San Angelo, Texas on February 19, 1946 to Hallie Mae Terry and Robert Louis Rork. His family included older brother Bob and younger brother Bill. While Louis was very young, they lived in several oil and gas towns in West Texas before settling in San Angelo in 1953.
Louis loved his hometown of San Angelo, where he lived most of his life. He made scores of life-long friends including those who would later introduce him to his future wife, Kay, along with her daughters Jana and Channing.
Louis graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1964 and the University of Texas at Austin in 1968. He worked for many years in the oil and gas business with his friend and mentor Jack Bleakley and later developed a real estate career. Though Louis contributed his time and talents to many civic and arts organizations in the San Angelo area and his beloved Emmanuel Episcopal Church, he spent countless hours studying and collecting art, antiques, and fine jewelry. He shared these passions with Kay, with whom he had a successful antique and estate sale business.
Though Louis treasured the beautiful objects he collected over the years, it was his friendships he cherished most, many of which began in his earliest years of life. He and his childhood friends grew up together like an extended family, celebrating life’s most significant events, supporting each other through times of challenge and simply enjoying each other’s company. Louis’s friends recall the escapades they had as boys and young men, especially dove hunting outside of town and eating at Zentner’s steak house. His circle of good friends grew over the years to include the Tuesday “lunch bunch,” the crew of men who traveled to Mason for the annual Spring Turkey Hunt, and their monthly supper group.
Louis loved to cook and entertain. He enjoyed parties and social gatherings. Friends and family could always pick Louis out of a crowd, not just because of his large stature, but because he loved to tell a good story and was frequently holding court. He had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and strong opinions about almost everything! Louis softened immediately upon the sight or mention of anyone’s grandchildren—particularly his own. His girls loved to watch him dote on his grandchildren about whom he always had several funny and sweet stories to share.
Louis loved and was loved by many, but first and foremost, he adored Kay—his wife and constant companion of over forty-five years. He depended on her greatly and fretted when she happened to be out of town, claiming he couldn’t sleep or rest without her. They had the same interests, enjoyed going out with their friends, traveling, and worked on countless projects together around the house.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Hallie and Robert Rork, and his brothers Robert and William Rork. Louis is survived by his wife Kay Gilley Rork; his daughter Jana Burk, and her children Paul and Genevieve; his daughter Channing and husband Rick, and their children Benjamin and Alexander Bushnell; his sister-in-law Linda Rork and nephews Jon and wife Molly Dickson, Patrick and wife Jill Rork, and niece Sharon and husband Joey Schwab, and their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held for Louis at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Fort Concho, West Texas Rehab, or a charity of your choice
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.