Former National HBPA president John Roark dies

John Roark, past president of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, died on Saturday in Temple, Texas, according to the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership. Roark was 75.

Roark served as president of the National HBPA from 2001-2006, according to an obituary from Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. He also was a founding member and past president of the Texas Thoroughbred HBPA and a past chairman of the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership. Roark also served as general counsel for the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America.

Roark, a native of Commerce, Texas, launched his law career in Houston and later established a practice in Temple. He owned racehorses for more than 20 years.

Roark is survived by his wife, Kaki; sons Wayne and Allen; and a daughter, Sharon. Services are scheduled for Jan. 30 at First United Methodist Church in Temple.