LeRoy A. Staiger

LeRoy Albert Staiger (Roy Staiger), age 88, passed away Friday, November 14. He was born on October 12, 1937 to Emil and Hannah Staiger in Hebron, North Dakota.

Roy was raised in Hebron, North Dakota. He was proud to be from North Dakota and loved his home state. He and his wife, Sharon, often discussed which side of the state was prettier – his with hills and rock formations or hers with lush green crops and trees.

Roy attended school in Hebron, North Dakota. Because his grandmother lived with his family and spoke only German, he spoke German until beginning school. During high school, he played football and served as the basketball manager. Roy graduated from Hebron High School in 1955.

In summers, he was often at his Uncle Albert's farm just outside of Hebron. Although an only child, he was close with his cousins.

Roy enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 17 years old, so his mom had to sign with him. He began serving in 1955 at the age of 18 and served for four years. Roy served in Okinawa and in China Lake, California.

After service in the Marine Corps, Roy returned to North Dakota and graduated from Bismark Junior College. Following graduation, he worked in Ohio as a draftsman. Roy returned to North Dakota and attended the University of North Dakota and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Geology degree.

While attending the University of North Dakota, he met and fell in love with Sharon Rae Knowles. They married on March 30, 1969 in Neche, North Dakota, and were married for 56 ½ years. He was a loving husband and father. Roy and Sharon have three children - Chris, Jennifer, and Margie.

Roy worked hard to provide for his family. He had a remarkable work ethic. Roy was employed as a geologist in Uranium, coal, oil, and gas exploration. In the early 1970s, he discovered a major Uranium find in South Texas. His last employer before retirement was the Oil and Gas Division of the Texas Railroad Commission. Roy worked as an Engineering Specialist as part of the State Managed Cleanup Program. He was proud to retire with the state of Texas. Roy was a member of the Corpus Christi Geologic Society.

Roy loved his family and enjoyed doing things with them. He will always be remembered for his devotion to his family. Roy was involved in his children's activities. He attended his children's sporting activities, and even coached soccer. He was a band booster and drill team booster. Roy helped with homework and extra credit projects. He gave geology presentations when his kids were in school and that continued while Jennifer was the director of the preschool at Asbury Methodist Church. He and Sharon were Hooks season ticket holders for many years and enjoyed games together. Roy and his family also enjoyed attending Spurs games and were season ticket holders for many years.

Roy will also be remembered for his service to his church. He had a quiet faith and served where he could. He and Sharon were instrumental in starting Bethany UMC in Austin and are charter members. Roy supported Sharon's ministry to children through the nursery in Austin, Plano, and Corpus Christi. He supported Jennifer and Margie when they served in various ministries. Roy served as an usher including serving as head usher of the 8:30 service for several years. He also served on the Worship Committee at St. John's for many years.

Roy was proud to be a United States Marine. He and his family enjoyed getting together yearly for more than ten years with a group of men who served with him in Weapons Company 393 in Okinawa.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Hannah Staiger, and his beloved aunts and uncles. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Sharon, children, Chris, Jennifer, and Margie, sister-in-law, Margie Ramsdell, and nephews Cory (Stephanie) Snyder and Travis Snyder.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Seaside Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. John's United Methodist Church at 5300 S. Alameda. An Inurnment will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are Chris Staiger, Chris Oxley, Mike Maxson, and Robert Garza.