William "Billy" K. Rork

William K. “Billy” Rork, 62, Topeka, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Billy was born June 22, 1954, the son of O. Thomas and Teresa Towle Rork. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1979. Billy was a renowned attorney practicing since 1980. His specialties were criminal defense and appellate advocacy. Affectionately known as F. Lee Billy, he was a member of the Kansas Lawyer’s Assistance Program, the Kansas Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Shawnee County Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Billy was an active member of Mater Dei Parish, where he served on the Church Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 8059 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly and served on the Atchison Valley Hope Board. A lover of the great outdoors, Billy especially looked forward to his yearly hunting trip to Leoti, Kansas. Other hobbies include fishing, boxing, rugby, slow-pitch softball, winning arguments in and out of court, laughing with friends and breaking the rules. Billy believed in living it up and sharing the wealth, and practiced this in his daily life. In 1976, Billy and Diane Van Hoozer were united in marriage; she survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Traci Rork; son, Colin Rork; siblings, Kathy Reding (Larry), Teresa Wignal, Tom Rork (Jackie), Anne Allison (Gary), Sean Rork, Sheila Dunbar (Bob), and Cris Rork. Family will greet friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 9, at Mater Dei Holy Name Church, 1114 SW 10th Street, Topeka KS 66604. At 10:30 a.m. a Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Chalice Ceremony will be conducted followed by a rosary. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the Church. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Parish or the charity of your choice, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. As Billy used to always say, "In God we trust...all others we cross examine."

William "Billy" K. Rork

June 22, 1954 - May 31, 2017