Roger M. Jemes

ROGER MERRILL JEMES, devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend left this life on September 5th, 2023.
Roger was born on January 30th 1952 in Lebanon Missouri to James Merrill Jemes and Laura June Fox Jemes. He spent his childhood in Conway Missouri on his family farm. He got saved at 8 years old at a local church camp. He attended Conway High School until his 11th grade year.
In 1969 Roger married Wanda Jo Goodnight. They had 2 sons – Tony and Jody Jemes. Roger was extremely proud of his boys. He loved taking them hunting and fishing. Roger worked at Ford Precast as a crane operator. Shortly after that, he went to work at Meco System as a foreman where he helped build the 1st edition to Bass Pro Shops in Springfield Missouri – he was extremely proud of this. He also owned Morgan Stop and Shop from 1977-1996. He loved visiting with his customers that were more like family. He then went to work for MODOT as an equipment operator.
On August 16th 1998 Roger wed Anna Jean Pannebaker in Russ Missouri. Their now blended family included Melissa Runge and Alicia Morgan. Roger treated Melissa and Alicia's families as his own. Roger was known as "Ra-Ra" to his grandchildren. He enjoyed every minute of his grandpa duties and cherished every moment. Roger and Anna built their home in Morgan Missouri. He then went to work with his father, Merrill. Together they were in the excavating/construction business. Roger continued this legacy even after the passing of his father Merrill up until 2022 when he sold his equipment and retired.
He developed a love for tractors, running and fixing equipment, working with his hands at a young age. Roger had an act for fixing anything that was broken. Anything Roger did, he did it right. Roger enjoyed taking his family members fishing, hunting, cave exploring, mushroom hunting and watching wildlife like bears, mountain lions, bobcats through his game cameras. Roger and Anna loved garage selling together to find hidden treasures. He enjoyed competing and watching truck and tractor pulls. In the evenings, you would find Roger either watching westerns or taking a drive with his favorite pal – Sadie. You would also find Roger sitting on his porch watching the martins fly around. Roger enjoyed quizzing his family members on types of trees and birds. Roger restored many tractors, trucks, cars, go carts and motorcycles over his lifetime. Roger was a friend to all he came in contact with. He went above and beyond for anyone who needed it – including strangers. Roger had a multitude of lifelong friends that he considered family. Roger was described as the greatest neighbor, friend to all, a gentle giant and "Mayor of Morgan". Roger was one of the most selfless people - he was always thinking of others needs. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. The impact that he had on his family and community will live forever.
He is survived by: his wife, Anna, of the home; children: Melissa Runge and husband Alan of Lebanon, Tony Jemes and wife Cindy of Edmond, Oklahoma, Alicia Morgan and husband Matt of Russ, Jody Jemes of Springfield; grandchildren: Tiffany Runge, Alissa Archer and husband Brad, Dalton Morgan and Kailin Morgan; great grandchildren: Oliver Archer, Preslee Archer, Madielynn Roberts and David Lowery; siblings: Rhonda Wood of Conway, Rita Clinkenbeard and husband John of Phillipsburg, Sandy Beal of Russ, Mike Stout of Conway, Annie Welch and husband Robin of Conway, Marilyn Matherly of West Plains, Michelle Mullis of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Martha Boswell and husband Brad of Columbia, Mark Jemes of Lebanon, Marika Love and husband Bobby of Laquey, Michael Prock of Lebanon, and Melinda Williams of Lebanon; his riding buddy and Rat Terrier Sadie; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
He is preceded in death by: his parents, brothers-in-law: Chester Wood and Ron Beal.
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