William Edward “Bill” Rourke was born on March 21, 1930, in Baldwinsville, New York to Leo and Marion Rourke. William (Bill) as he was known graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He served his country in the United States Air Force before attending college.

Bill worked for and retired from Marathon Oil Company after 36 years of dedicated service, working in multiple locations and positions, the last being Western Gulf Coast Regional Manager. During his career he was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE); where he served as the chairman from 1992-1993, Lafayette Petroleum Club and Oakbourne Golf Club. Bill enjoyed traveling, golfing, as well as cooking and baking.