Frederick ‘Don’ Roach

Frederick Donald “Don” Roach was brought into the world on Dec. 31, 1926, in Greenfield and was welcomed back into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Jan. 20, 2020, at his home in Watonga while surrounded by his family.

Don was born to Frederick and Ruth Roach at their home west of Greenfield on a farm that was partly procured in the Cheyenne-Arapaho Opening of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1892 by Don’s grandparents, Dudley and Nellie Roach.

Don graduated from Greenfield High School in 1944 and was drafted to the United States Marines in 1945 to serve his country in World War II on Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands.

Following his service, Don married the love of his life, Wanda Burnett, on March 22, 1947, and they were married for over 72 years until parted by his passing.

Don and Wanda gave birth to a daughter, Deborah Roach Schenk and a son, Larry Roach.

Don Roach was an extremely hard worker and he farmed and ran cattle west of Greenfi eld until his health prevented him from continuing to do so. He and Wanda lived on the farm west of Greenfield until they moved to Watonga in 1965.

Don was a fixture in the Watonga community.

Each day, he could be found having morning coffee with friends at the Hi-De-Ho and then out working on the farm he loved. As much as Don loved to farm and to ranch, he was even more passionate about supporting the family whom he unconditionally loved.

Don was a loyal Watonga Eagle, and although his daughter, Deborah, graduated from Greenfi eld High School, his son, Larry, and all six of his grandchildren graduated from Watonga High School.

Since Larry’s freshman year in 1965-1966, Don and Wanda could be found at nearly every Watonga activity and event their children and grandchildren participated in and many they didn’t participate in.

Beyond the Eagles, Don and Wanda were loyal fans and supporters of whatever school their family members were involved in.

Their son, Larry, played football for the Sooners, and Don and Wanda reserved the same two season tickets since his first year of eligibility in 1969 until today. Don and Wanda attended nearly every Sooner home game, and some away, until they were no longer physically able.

As their family grew larger with grandchildren and great-grandchildren in various locations beyond Watonga, Don and Wanda would continue to attend countless activities.

Don Roach loved his country; he loved to farm, and he loved his family.

However, the most enduring quality of a man who graced Blaine County with all but one of his 93 full and well-lived years was his selfless generosity.

Don Roach was a tireless giver of his time, his money, his support and most importantly, his love. If the measure of a man can be found in the legacy he leaves behind, then Don Roach was larger than life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Thomas Roach and Ruth Francis Miller Roach; his sister, Vonda Jo Roach; his daughter, Deborah Sue Roach Schenk; his son, Larry Don Roach and his great-grandchild, Micah Hinkle.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Jean Burnett Roach of the home; his son-in-law, Dr. Curtis Schenk of Watonga; his daughter-in-law, Jane Roach Crawford and her husband, Leroy, of Piedmont; six grandchildren, Julie Roach Moore and her husband Will of Oklahoma City, Jarrod Roach and his wife Magan of Piedmont, Justin Roach and his wife Melissa of Piedmont, Derek Schenk and his wife Tricia of Frisco, Texas, Ryan Schenk and his wife Kelli of Edmond, and Lori Schenk Hinkle and her husband Jonathan of Yukon; and 15 great-grandchildren, Abby, Alex, Bella, Benjamin, Braden, Chloe, Gavin, Halle, Josie, Levi, Lily, Lyndie, Makenna, Molly, and Walker.

For his family, friends and countless others who knew him, Don will live on as a quiet, unassuming hero whose example teaches us to love unconditionally and to give selfl essly.

We love you, Pap. Always.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6.

Graveside services for Don were 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery Chapel in Watonga.

Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga was in charge of arrangements.