 Roger Allen Gleason
November 21, 1938 - April 11, 2013
Roger Allen Gleason lived a long, good life. Born in Salina, Kansas on November 21, 1938 to Berdie and Frank Gleason, he was raised by his grandmother, Zeffa, after his mother passed away. Growing up in rural Kansas gave him a yearning for adventure, and so it was, shortly after his 17th birthday that he joined the Navy and served his country aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard.
While he was overseas, Roger became pen-pals with Charlie Helm, they met in Santa Cruz, California, and married in 1958. Roger and Charlie were married for 20 years and came to be blessed with three daughters. In 1970, they moved their family north, to Silverton, Oregon, for a life in the country, closer to his father and beloved step-mother, Marie. His girls, Wendy Gleason, of Silverton, Oregon, and Tish Gleason-Dralle, and Kelly Gleason-Dodd, of Mt. Vernon, Washington, will love and miss him always.
In 1998, Roger married his dear love, Doris, and became step-father to Josh, Jason, and Angelina Cude. Along with Doris, Roger loved the Lord and service, family, golfing, riding bicycles, and traveling. Together they attended Salem Evangelical Church. Inseparable, in 2001 they became snowbirds, motoring annually from their home in Salem, Oregon, to Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, California and Washington. They were warmly received by family and friends wherever they roamed.
Roger passed away in Yuma, Arizona on April 11, 2013. He's survived by his brothers and sisters; Gary, Bill, and Ronny Gleason, in Salina, Kansas; Barbara Osborn, in Burbank, California; Dennis Gleason, in Estacada, Oregon; Charles Gleason in Grand Ronde, Oregon; and Darlene Gleason-Nelson, in Salem, Oregon. His older brother, Frank Jr. (Boomie) Gleason, preceded him in passing. He leaves behind his grandchildren, who remember him with love and good humor; Tia and Damon Davidson, and Jesse Whitley, in Portland, Oregon; Tom Howard, in Modesto, California; Tim and Kristi Howard, Mike and Elliot Dodd, and Richard Gleason in Mt. Vernon, Washington, and Ryan Dralle, in Kirkland, Washington, along with his great-grandchildren, Calvin, Cyleigh, and Cayden Howard, in Mt. Vernon, Washington, and Gage Howard, in Augusta, Kansas.
Forever a seaman, Roger loved boating and revered the ocean. He will rest in peace in Roche Harbor, Washington, and his memorial will be observed in Silverton, Oregon. Recalling their assistance when he was a child with deep gratitude, donations in Roger's memory should be made to the Salvation Army.
Published in StatesmanJournal on May 1, 2013
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