Wesley Dean Rooks

Wesley Dean Rooks, 91, of Gillett, Ark. was called home on March 28, 2016. Currently living in Benton, Ark., he was born October 8, 1924, in Bald Knob, Ark. to the late John A. and Burlie (Woodruff) Rooks. After graduating from Bald Knob High School, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class during World War II. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. Wesley went on to complete his education and received his Bachelors of Science in Education in 1962 from Arkansas State Teachers College and his Master of Science in Education in 1972 from State College of Arkansas. He taught math for many years for the Gillett School District having a positive influence on the children in Gillett. His encouragement to his students went far beyond the classroom. Wesley was affectionately called Unc by his nieces and nephews. He was a long time active member of Gillette First United Methodist Church and currently a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. He loved traveling with his family and going on mission trips with his church. Wesley was an avid Razorback fan. His passion for golf, with his devoted wife Ella Mae as his partner, kept him young and active for many years. He played his last golf tournament on his 90th birthday making a hole in one. He was one of the longest tenured leaders for the American Legion Boys State of Arkansas. He performed many roles at Boys State to include teacher, dean of counselors, program director for six terms, office assistant, county name (#RooksCounty) and most notably as long term commissioner. The number of lives touched by Wesley throughout his 46 years at Boys State is immeasurable. Lives will continue to be touched as he has donated his body to UAMS for research. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, Ernest, brothers Harold and Carol, sister, Norma, devoted and loving wife Ella Mae, infant children, Daryl Dean, Janet Sue and great nephew, Barry Strickland. Cherishing his memory is sister, Gracie Wheeler, sister-in-law Carolyn Fletcher and many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in No. Little Rock, Ark., Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Department of Arkansas American Legion Boys State, P.O. Box 3280, Little Rock, Ark. 72203. Arrangements are with Hot Springs Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com.