Roger Totten

Roger Gerald Totten was born on November 27, 1944 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Gerald
Eldon Totten and Wilma Marie (McElroy) Totten. He departed this world on
March 10, 2024.
Roger's family relocated to California when he was young. He attended Oasis Elementary
School and Coachella High School, from where he graduated. He played football,
baseball, basketball, and ran track. Roger was drafted in 1965, and was an MP in the Army.
He was stationed in Panama in the aftermath of the riots. He met Mary Louise Zerbinati
while there during his deployment. They married in 1968 and were blessed with four
daughters: Roberta, Tina, Lisa, and Debra. They later divorced.
Roger had a successful and meaningful career in law enforcement. He attended Lavern
College and Riverside Community College where he graduated with an Associates Degree
in Criminal Justice. He went on to the police academy in Los Angeles County. He worked in
the Marshall's Department in Riverside County where he was active in FOP and President
for 2 consecutive terms at Riverside Lodge 8. He left the Marshall's Department as a
Lieutenant before returning to Missouri.
Back in his original stomping grounds, Roger worked his way up to Supervisor at NEBS in
Maryville, Missouri. He married Cathy Jaye Sanders and they were blessed with
three children: Stephen, Daniel, and Morgan. They later divorced. Roger went on to work
his way up to Supervisor at MOOG.
In 1996 Roger married Lois Elaine Cross and became a bonus father to three children: Brandi,
Andrew, and Adam. Roger worked at NWMSU as custodian. He moved over to Aramark in
a supervisory position in the Custodial Department at NWMSU until he retired.
Roger was a loyal Chiefs fan. He enjoyed photography, golfing, and fishing. He always took
great pride in his lawn and roses, no matter the state he was residing in. He liked to read,
especially true crime novels, and his favorite television programs were Cops or anything on
HGTV and National Geographic. He loved spending time with his family, making and
sharing memories and knowledge.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and his old cat
Rambo.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Lois, treasured kitty Auggie, his seven children and
three stepchildren; Roberta Totten of Riverside, CA, Tina Hanger of Chino, CA, Lisa (Jesse)
Williams of Riverside, CA, Debra (Kenny) VanBilliard of Riverside, CA, Stephen (Sarah)
Totten of Fort Worth, TX, Daniel Totten (Karissa Herchenroeder) of Abilene, TX, Morgan
(Kyle) Lindquist of Fort Worth, TX, Brandi (James) Findley of Kansas City, MO, Andy Adwell
(Erin Marlow) of Maryville, MO, and Adam Adwell of Watson, MO, 18 grandchildren, 14
great grandchildren, his brother, Richard (Myra) Totten of La Quinta, CA, numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
Roger's family hopes he is remembered as a good Christian man who cared deeply for
those who the Lord blessed him with in this life. He was a hard worker who always gave his
all to any job he took on. He lived his life with honesty, integrity, and loyalty. No one is
perfect, but he was the perfect person to be our husband, dad and Papaw. Remember him
when you see the beauty in God's world and the true love for family and friends, which he
exemplified.
We want to invite all friends and family to share in the celebration of Roger's life. His
celebration will be held April 5, 2024 at the First Christian Church in Maryville. Family will
receive visitors from 10 to 11 am. Celebration of life to commence at 11 am. A private family
luncheon will be held at Mozingo Lake Event Center at 12:30pm.
www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com