Bernard James Rooker

Bernard was born on December 11, 1941, in Vestaburg, Michigan, the son of Alfred Henry and Linnie Louise (Stafford) Rooker. He graduated from Shepherd High School in 1960. Bernard enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 15, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan serving during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on April 6, 1964 in Memphis, Tennessee. He then attended Memphis Christian and Dallas Christian College from 1963-1966. Bernard was a Golden Gloves and Amateur Prize Fighter. He was a standout athlete in football, basketball and track. Racing motorcycles was a big part of his life and carried on with the family. He now has 4 generations of motocross racers. He enjoyed spending time on the beach and loved to be on the lake skiing and riding jet skis. He took great pleasure in teaching the "weekenders" to learn to ride a stand-up jet ski. Bernard was a jack of all trades; he loved dancing and was very intelligent, often sharing his wisdom. Survivors include: his son, Shawn James Craig Rooker and wife Traci of Wichita, KS; his daughters, Deedra Paige Rooker of Bethany and Heather Sue Cheek of Sallisaw; his brothers Mark Shaffran of Indiana and Don Rooker of Alabama. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Charlene and a brother Jack.