Russell H. Rourke, 63, Camby, Indiana passed away February 27, 2018.
Russell was born December 24, 1954 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada to Doc and Mary Rourke. The family moved to Indianapolis when he was just 5 years old. He graduated from Shortridge High School and then attended the Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in 1981. After his time at the academy he went on to work as a Marion County Sheriff until Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and Marion County Sheriff’s Department merged. He continued to work as an IMPD officer until he retired in 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Rourke of 27 years on March 16th; children, Heather Caro, Kevern Pritchett (Crystal), Amy Rourke, Brittany Cole, Cody Rourke, and Justin Rourke; brother, Jim Rourke (Melissa); sister, Jacqueline Bromley (Paul); step sister, Lou-Ellen Day; several grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Doc and Mary Rourke; and step mother, Elsie Rourke; and brother in law, George Day.
Russell was an active member of several groups including, ABATE-American Bikers Aimed Towards Education and Tailboard Riders Association of Wayne Township Fire Department, and a proud member of the NRA. A few of his favorite things were riding his horses and his motorcycle, he loved to ride.
Please consider donating to Police Benevolent Foundation at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/PBF
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. with visitation from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service at Indiana Funeral Care 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
Debbie O'Neal says
Anna and family,
I am so sorry over the passing of Russ. I am still in shock and cannot believe this is true. Russ was an amazing man that touched so many lives and much of his life to the community. I know Russ from the fire dept. Have so many wonderful memories. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Praying that you will find some peace and comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
James M. Helton says
Rest in Peace Brother. ILEA Class 82-69 and the world lost a good man with your passing. Hopefully our brother in arms, Jerry Hillenburg from HBC, also from our class is giving you the send off you deserve. I’ll see you again one day my friend.
Sandi Yocum says
Anna my heart aches for you and your family. I was so shocked by the news. Please know you will be in my prayers. This is going to be a very difficult time but I know what a strong woman you are.
Gwen Whitney says
So sorry to hear this Anna. I am praying for you and your family.
Julie steinway says
Anna, your family is in my prayers.
Julie Steinway
S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret) says
On behalf of the Société de Police – IPD Adam & Edward, condolences to the family and friends of our celebrated fellow and LEO retiree, Russell H. Rourke, 63, at this time of his departure from this life on Tuesday, 27 Feb.
Once again, over the shortness of time, we are left to ponder truly, “Why and where has our friend gone?” Regardless, we all will know the same answer at the end of each of our conversations with this life. ‘Til then we continue to speak and laugh of our times – unless our tongues falls out – of our best memories of those so dearly departed… honored to so so too!
~ A Great Man’s Life Should Never Be In Hiding ~
Dennis Hammer MCSD, Retired says
Russ was always a pleasure to work with and fun to be around. He will be missed.
Ron Beasley says
I am sorry to hear about Russ’ passing. He was a good Deputy and a good man. I am sorry I cannot be there, as we live in Florida, now. However, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God keep them in His arms and comfort them at this time of their great loss. rb
Richard ‘Eric’ Johnson says
He is now patrolling on the other shore where we will surely meet again. He was a fine cop and a good man and friend.
Ron Padgett says
Anna Sending Prayers Russ was a fine Deputy And a Better person He was a true friend he will be missed
Mike Kelley retired MCSD says
Sorry to read about Russ passing. He was a good Deputy, decent man and will be missed. Prayers and thoughts for you and himself
Houston Gaines & Family says
I am very sorry to hear of Russ passing. Although we worked different districts ( MCSD ) you could always count on him and a good guy. Our prayers are with his family in this difficult time.
David N Law says
David Law Retired MCSD/IMPD I had the pleasure of working with Russ in the 1980’s as a co-worker and as one of his supervisors in the 1990s. Russ was a police officer that knew his job and responsibilities very well. Myself and other officers that he worked with could always count on him to be there for us in a hectic or dangerous situation. Russ, you will be missed by all of us, Rest well ole friend.
Chris Nielsen. MCSD #205 IMPD CY6 says
To the family, Russ was such a pleasant, honest and decent Deputy. He was quick with a smile and always there when needed. He loved the MCSD as do we all. I hope you will find comfort and peace in the coming days ahead.
James Lynch says
Anna and family: . Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow I feel for the passing of Russ, but please except my condolences and I will be sure to include him in my prayers. When I heard the news my heart broke, Russ was a special person and he touched my life like no one else., some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts,and we are never the same, that was my cousin Russ.
I wish I could be with you and your family during this time of sorrow, but I know your surrounded by family and friends who will comfort you during these difficult days,
Mike Ross says
I just learned of Russ’s passing today He was a classmate of mine, 82-69 at ILEA we had met up a couple of times over the years and he attended my wife’s funeral in 2013. Russ was a true brother and a good friend. He loved his family and friends. He will be in my prayers until we meet again. My condolences to His family and friends.
Mike Ross, retired
Grant County Sheriff’s Department
Darrell Himelick says
Just heard about Russ, what a great guy. Just talked to him on the phone a couple months ago. Class mate and friend. ILEA 82-69. You will be missed Russ.
Darrell Himelick retired
Grant County Sheriff’s Department.
MaryPat Poland says
Anna, I was shocked to hear this sad news. I remember when you met him, married and started a family. I also remember the strong love you two had. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Destiney Cox says
I love you Anna
I will always remember you Russell
Destiney Cox says
Anna We love you!
Hey Russell,
I hope heaven knows what they got. They got an amazing person that means the world to me. I wish heaven wasn’t so far away. I would be there every day to see you and my other loved ones. We will never forget you. You will always be in my heart. Hope to see you soon. We all miss you down here.