Mr. Edward T. (Eddie) O_Rourke, 92, of 1208 N. Pocahontas Ave., of Covington, Virginia, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017 at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem following a brief illness.

He was a veteran of World War II and a long-time educator in both the Covington and Alleghany County school systems.

Edward was born on May 2, 1925, a son of the late Florence Byer and Edward Tecumseh O'Rourke, Sr.

Mr. O'Rourke is survived by his wife of 63 years, Travis D. O'Rourke, and two sons, Larry O'Rourke, and wife, Josephine and Jeri O'Rourke, all of Covington. He is also survived by special nephews, Randall and Gavin Dressler, special members of both the D'Arpa and Hansford families; special friends and neighbors, Joyce Emerson and Jimmy Linkenhoker; special friends in the maintenance and custodial departments of the Alleghany County School System.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sisters, Blanche O. Grove, Lillian O. Sorrells, Dorothy O. Sorgen and Cecelia O. "Sally" Burnside. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Bruce, who died as an infant some 20 years before Edward was born.

Edward served in both Europe and in the Pacific Theatres of Operation with the U. S. Navy during World War II.

His work with Standard Oil allowed him to visit many other exotic locations around the world.

He was a 1947 graduate of Covington High School and a 1953 graduate from Lynchburg College.

Following college, Mr. O'Rourke taught for 10 years at Covington High School from the mid-1950's to the early '60s. He left the teaching profession for several years after his tenure at CHS, then re-entered teaching at Alleghany County High School, a post he would hold until retiring in 1987.

Following his retirement, he continued working with the Alleghany County School System as the foreman of a paint crew that spruced up schools during the summer. He held that post until just several years ago.

Mr. O'Rourke was a longtime member of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church in Covington. He held many offices at the church and particularly enjoyed working in the Sunday School office.

Edward was a member of Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post 4. He was a member of the Covington Jaycees.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Cedar Hill Cemetery with Rev. Patrick Pettit officiating.

Those wishing to attend the service should assemble at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Graveside rites will be conducted by Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Pallbearers will be selected from friends attending the service.

The family will receive friends at the residence, 1208 Pocahontas Avenue, Covington, at any time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church, 900 N. Alleghany Avenue, Covington, VA 24426.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.