Robert Lee "Bob" Roach

Robert Lee “Bob” Roach of St. James passed away Friday January 24, 2020 at Phelps Health in Rolla, Mo. He was 89 years of age. 

Bob as he was known by his family and friends was born November 5, 1930 in Cuba, Mo, the son of the late Lee M. and Leona Francis Sohn Roach.

On June 2 1960 he was united in marriage to Ethel Irene Johnson, he then married Gloria Elliott on May 20, 1995.

Mrs. Roach is survived by his beloved wife: Gloria Roach of St. James; Sons:Allan Roach of Springfield, Mo.,;Mark Elliott and his wife Lisa of St. James,; and Bill Elliott Jr. of Lawrence, Kansas. Daughters: Sharon Edwards and husband Dale of Cuba,; Holly Bushman of Cuba, Mo,; and Susan and Richard Smith of Bativia, Illinois. Sisters: Janet Dees of Louisville, Kentucky; and Ann Baxter of Mesa Arizona. 10 grandchildren: Shane, Allison, Natalie, Madison, Courtney, Hallie, Olivia, Lauren, William and Jonathan. Along with 10 Great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Ethel Irene Johnson Roach, brother-in-laws: Joe Dees and George Baxter. Sister: Vickie Aldridge and one grandson Allyn Roach

Bob grew up in Newburg, when the town was booming. He loved the railroad and worked as an agent for the Frisco/Burlington railroad in Newburg for many years and worked at the Rolla Depot for 21 years before it closed. He retired after 44 years of service. He was very active in the community of Newburg and served in the municipal court and was appointed a  Judge in the Traffic Court. Bob served his country in the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force. He was a decorated Soldier with the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He left the Air Force at the Randolph Air Force Base in Texas in 1955. He continued active after retirement and volunteered at the St. James Caring Center for 10 years managing the Food Pantry. He also volunteered at the Missouri Veterans Home. Bob and Gloria were active members at the First Assembly of God in Rolla. He loved his country and loved the Lord, and was always willing to stop and visit with his friends. He will be greatly missed.

Bob Roach will lie in state at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday January 28, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

Funeral Service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday January 28, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Pastor Chuck Whitmire officiating. Hymns In The Garden and Blessed Assurance will be sung by David Robinson with Sherry Hathaway at the Piano. Pallbearers will be Dale Edwards, Richard Smith, William Smith, Johathan Smith, Scott Hayes and Ben Fadler. Honorary Pallbearers will be Shane Edwards, Mark Elliott, Carl Wilkinson, Ray Turner, Don Gillespie, David Bullock and Marlon Malone. Burial will be in the Rolla Cemetery. Memorial may be given to the Kids Care of America, First Assembly of God Church, Rolla, Mo.

Cards of condolence, gifts and flowers may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

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