Roger Wilson went home to the Lord on Monday, October 7, 2019. Many in San Manuel will remember seeing Roger as he daily walked his white terrier Winston. Roger was born on a farm in Foreman, AR. His family moved from AR to a farm near Mt. Pleasant, TX.
Roger was part of the Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) in 1941 and was sent from Mt. Pleasant, TX to Fredonia, AZ to work. After returning to TX, Roger joined the United States Army. He was sent all over the world as part of the 34th Signal Construction Battalion, where he was a lineman for General Patton while in Europe. He was awarded the rank of Sergeant. After his service in Europe, he was sent to the Philippines and then to Japan. From Japan, he returned home to TX and became part of the Army Reserves.
Roger and Martha Lee Lunsford married in August, 1948. He was working as a mechanic and as a school bus driver when friends returned from a trip to AZ and told him about opportunities for work at the San Manuel mine in AZ. He, his wife Martha, and daughters moved to Arizona in August, 1957. They first lived in Drifting Sands (now Catalina) and then moved into a home in San Manuel when Roger was hired to work for San Manuel Copper, later Magma Copper, and then BHP. He retired from the company in January, 1985.
In addition to working as an auto/heavy equipment mechanic for San Manuel, he was also a trained HVAC mechanic, small engine repairman, and certified locksmith. He used this training as part time work after his retirement and also worked as a security guard.
His time after retirement was taken up with enjoying family, gardening, serving his church (San Manuel Assembly of God), and participating in the VFW Post 2767 until he felt his age should keep him from driving at night. He enjoyed being with and talking with all his church friends, veteran friends, and his neighbor Ruben.
Roger is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Lee, and his oldest daughter, Mildred Elaine Hastings, and by his parents, JE and Nannie Lee Wilson and by siblings Flora, Janie, Durell, Allene, and Doris.
He is survived by daughters Edna Lee (Leonard), Roggie Lynn and, son-in-law Steve and by grandchildren Rachel, Ben (Jodi), Eric (Tricia), Elaine, Greg and honorary grandchildren Justin (Letty) and Shelly (Adam). He is also survived by great grandchildren Kaycee, Jacob, Fallon and honorary great grandchildren Ariel, Angelina, Marlette, Colton, and Hunter.
Thanks to everyone who visited with and checked on Roger during his final year. Also, special thanks to the staff at Pura Vida Assisted Living: Adela, Martha, Irma, Omar, Teresa, Diane, and Memo and to Pastor Clarence and Donna Horn.
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