Don E. Rourk

Don E. Rourk, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 73.

Don was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on April 15, 1953, to Raymond and Neva (Ellington) Rourk. Don married Connie Foster in 1972 and moved to Emporia to start his family and begin work at IBP, where he worked for over 20 years. Don married Barb Dreier on August 6, 1986, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Don is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Barb (Dreier) Rourk of Emporia, KS, his sister, Kathy Eastman of Blackwell, OK, his daughter, Melissa (Marc) Rosen of Wichita, KS, his son Eric (Karla) Rourk of Haysville, KS, his grandchildren Alex and Nathan Rosen and Quinn Rourk, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Faron Rourk, and twin grandsons, Gavin and Grant Rourk.

After leaving IBP, Don worked as a Corrections Officer for the Lyon County Sheriff's Department for 19 years. After retiring from the Sheriff's Office, Don worked as a Security Officer for Newman Regional Health for another 6 years.

Don was an avid Royals and Chiefs fan. He enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family, and spent several years as a storm spotter. A lover of bluegrass and country music, he rarely missed attending the Walnut Valley Music Festival. Don was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the former Early Bird Optimist Club.

A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Emporia Senior Center, located at 603 E. 12th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established memorials with the Emporia Senior Center and the Junebug Foundation, with contributions sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.