Administrator
Jose Rolando Gonzalez, 56
Died December 3, 2020.
Veterans Memorial High School, Corpus Christi, TX
Assistant Principal
Jose Rolando “Role” Gonzalez, beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend was called home to be with Jesus Christ, his Savior, on December 3, 2020 at the age of 56. He was born on March 14, 1964 in Alice, Texas to his loving parents, Jose E. and Ludy Gonzalez.
Rolando graduated in 1982 from Alice High School. He attended Texas A&M- College Station and TAMUK where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Health and Physical Education. Rolando was a certified Drivers Education Instructor and a teacher/coach at Alice ISD, San Diego ISD, and Plano ISD before continuing his education to complete a Masters Degree in Administration at University of North Texas in Denton. He worked as a school administrator at Alice ISD, Sinton ISD and most recently CCISD.
In an age where the phrase “good man” can be tossed around and spuriously assigned, Role, like his father before him, embodied the characteristics and traits that have earmarked remarkable men in ordinary life. Indeed, in Spanish “caballero”, a chivalrous man, aptly described Rolando.
He was a man of few words but loved to tell stories and had an incredible memory. Friends and family would often comment on how hard working, dependable, generous, helpful, giving, passionate, loyal, and strong Role was. He was always genuinely concerned for others and a great mentor to so many. Rolando was committed to his profession as an educator and administrator. He was eligible to retire but loved being a part of the Veterans Memorial Eagle family so he continued to work diligently with his colleagues. He was well respected by the Corpus Christi ISD community.
Sounds chivalrous, yes? But a caballero is also fiercely committed to his family.
After the passing of his father, Role dutifully, and with so much love and respect, took on as much responsibility in supporting and caring for his beautiful and gracious mother as he could. His sense of loyalty, duty, and responsibility extended to his two lovely and kind sisters and their families as well.
Role’s beloved wife was ever grateful because he was the affectionate voice of reason and a great listener. He was an honest family man and a problem solver. Sometimes facetiously, but not really, he was referred to by his wife and kids as an expert in all situations. Rolando was much like his versatile father in that he could build anything.
Rolando enjoyed coaching his kids and loved spending time outdoors with his wife and family.
He was so proud of all his children and was an engaged parent who was actively involved in their academic and sporting events. A man of great faith, he prayed with his sons and family, modeling the love of God.
A master at making salsa, he loved home-cooked meals, especially his talented mom’s desserts, Mexican food and BBQ. He also loved to travel and enjoyed listening to music by Rob Thomas. His favorite teams: the Aggies, Spurs, Cowboys, Texans, Alice Coyotes and Veteran Memorial Eagles, lose an ardent supporter on earth, but gain one in heaven.
A man of honor lived a life of honor.
Rolando is preceded in death by, and joins in heaven, his father, Jose E. Gonzalez. He leaves behind the love of his life, Denise Flores Gonzalez whom he married 12-12-2012, and four children that he adored: Rolly, Jay, Mason and Jax. He is also survived by his mother, Ludy Gonzalez and two sisters: Sylvia Gonzalez (Ciro) Zamora and Marisa Gonzalez (Rick) Benavides. Role also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Duane Bark, 61
Died October 7, 2020.
Markesan District Schools, Markesan, WI
Superintendent
On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Duane Douglas Bark went to his eternal home at the age of 61 years.
Duane was born on July 23, 1959, to Douglas & Jill (Myers) Bark in Lancaster, WI. At age four he and family moved to Montfort (from Brooklyn and Oregon) where he attended the Iowa-Grant school system. He graduated from Iowa-Grant in 1977. From there he attended the UW-Platteville and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Administration and an Education Special Degree.
On June 12, 1982, he married the love of his life Pamela Ferris and together they raised three amazing children who are his pride and joy. Duane was also “papa” or “poppy” to six grandchildren, who had him wrapped around their fingers. It was his sheer joy to spend time, play and even dance with them.
Duane spent his life as an educator, administrator, coach, leader and mentor. He has influenced and impacted countless lives in various school districts he has served. His greatest mission in life was to help others reach their full potential and in return he earned the love and respect of many. Duane was a man of faith in all he did, he led by example, and was a true testimony to God. He was an inspiration to all and left a legacy of love far and wide. Besides spending time with family, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, sports and of course mowing his lawn. He coached many sports for 32 years including football, wrestling, softball and baseball. He was an avid Badger fan, enjoyed watching sports on TV with family and friends, and attending all school activities.
Duane is survived by his wife, Pam, his children and grandchildren: Dr. Bradley (Candice)- Cora, David and Reuben of Muscatine, IA. Brian (Caitlin)- Henry, Russell and Eliza of Poynette, WI. Brittany of Markesan, WI. His parents Doug and Jill Bark, his “sis” Kim (Al) White, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, mother-in-law, Charlotte Ferris, and his canine hunting sidekicks Beau and Gracie; other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents, infant brother David, father-in-law, Dean Ferris and sister-in-law, Jolene Kaiser; dear friends Grizz, Jeff and Tom; and faithful hunting dogs Belle and Lexy.
Jody Jenkins, 57
Died September 29, 2020.
Atkins Public Schools, Atkins, AR
Superintendent
Jody Callaway Jenkins, 57, of Atkins, went home to be with his heavenly father September 29, 2020. He was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, son of the late Jack and Jean Canada Jenkins.
He was an educator following his calling to work with young people. Throughout his educational career he was a coach and teacher at Magnet Cove and Russellville Public Schools, a principal at Ozark High School and Johnson County Westside, the director of the Alma Opportunity School at Alma Public Schools, and current superintendent of Atkins Public Schools.
He is survived by his wife, Kristi Jenkins; daughter, Jackie Jenkins Moore and husband Brandon Moore; son, Ryan Jenkins; brothers, Teddy Jenkins, Toby Jenkins, and Dusty Jenkins; sister, Sharon Holcomb; mother and father-in-law, Larry and Janette Burris; and his extended family, church family, friends, school staff, and former athletes and students.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 6, at Sorrels Stadium at Lemley Field with Bro. Ted Darling, Bro. Ira Taylor, Brandon Moore, and Bro. Zach Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends following services. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, face coverings are required and social distancing practices will be observed throughout.
Pallbearers are Brannon Haney, Jerrod Burns, Larry Dugger, Matt Coleman, Ronald Anderson, Mark Ferguson, and Bronson Ruston. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Atkins School Board, Atkins Public Schools faculty and staff, Ozark and Johnson County Westside administration and high school staff during his tenure as principal, and former coaching colleagues at Magnet Cove and Russellville.