George Michael O'Rourke

George Michael O'Rourke of Bland died Monday, August 6, 2012, at his home of an apparent heart attack. He was 78. George was born on June 17, 1934, in St. Louis. He is the son of the late Michael Francis and Dorothy Dryer O'Rourke. On December 4, 1976, George was married to Dorothy nee Engelland. Shortly after they were married they moved from the city and in 1994 settled on a small farm south of Bland.
George was retired Iron Worker from the Local 396 in St. Louis. He was a veteran of the Korean War, a former boxer in the Golden Gloves, and a member of the Zion Evangelical Free Church in Bland. George loved his family, his farm, travel, history, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Surviving George is his wife Dorothy of the home, sons Michael O'Rourke with his wife Michell of St. Peters and Steven Hawkins with his wife Cheryl of Ballwin, daughters Judy Waldrum with her husband Chris of Maryland Heights, Gena Swearingen with her husband Stafford of Sedalia, Rebecca Volz of Mountain View, and Leslie Zalabak of St. Louis county. Also surviving is one sister Patricia Conner with her husband Bob of Lake St. Louis. George was a grandfather of 17, great grand father of 3. He was a second father, uncle, and great uncle to his nephews and nieces.
Preceding George are his parents, son Stanley Hawkins and sister Nancy Hays.
George prayed every night for the well being of those he loved. His arms can reach even farther now to embrace his family and friends in the days ahead. George made it clear that he simply wanted everyone to move on and enjoy life. He didn't want a service and in lieu of flowers he hoped for memorial contributions to be made to the Evangelical Free Church in Bland. A private service will be held at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.