John Donald Roop Jr.

Don was the only child born to John Donald Roop, Sr. and Bertha "Bertie" Bartz on June 22, 1938 in Canyon, Texas. He graduated high school in Paducah, Texas and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M in 1960.

After college he moved to California, got married and had two children, Melissa Roop (Barrett) and John Donald Roop, III and started his first job in missile defense at Douglas Aircraft working as an Aerodynamicist. He then became a Flight Mechanics Engineer, which is the position he held until retirement. In case you didn't know, a Flight Mechanics Engineer has to have an understanding of how rockets and missiles fly, so we can all sleep better at night (thank you Don). During his long and successful aerospace career he worked for Douglas Aircraft, which later became McDonnell Douglas. This is where he first met his dear friend and co-worker, Jim Kiefer. He then transferred to a company called Sparta, then back to McDonnell Douglas and ultimately retired as a Boeing employee.

In December of 1983 fate struck and he met the love of his life, Joan, at a Christmas party hosted by their mutual friend, Sharon Bradley. Joan didn't really feel like going to a party that night, but boy was she happy she didn't go with her first instincts. She was love-struck and couldn't stop talking about this really sweet guy with a great laugh and personality that she had met. They dated for a few years before they mutually proposed to each other. They were married on July 10, 1987 and never looked back. Theirs was a love for the history books.

Don is survived by his son, John Donald Roop III (Ana Reyna and her son, Jesus Rodriguez), daughter Melissa Barrett, stepdaughters Lisa Cassedy (Matthew Cassedy) and Jennifer Standish (Ann Pallanck) and grandchildren Andrew Marovich, Hope Standish-Pallanck, Faith Standish-Pallanck, Nick Wolke, Alexa Barrett, Brianna Barrett and Chase Barrett.

Don was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a laugh that was infectious as well as a heart of gold. He loved living in Arizona, but he was a true Texan at heart. He loved watching sports, especially baseball, cheering on his Aggies (when they were winning), reading and spending time with family and friends. He had an extra special place in his heart for his favorite furry friends, Miss Kitty and Yeti. We have truly been blessed by the love of this wonderful man. We will hold him in our hearts forever.

Thank you to all that have reached out to our family with your heartfelt condolences, flowers and meals. You have helped to make this time a little less difficult. You are invited to sign the guestbook and share your favorite memories of Don.

Don will be remembered with a service on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary where both he and his beloved Joan will be interned together. There will be a Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to Friends for Life Animal Rescue.