Johnnie Roach

The Family of Johnnie Thomas Roach invites loved ones to join in a Gathering of Family and Friends in John's memory at 2p.m., Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the VFW Building (former Senior Citizens Center), 74 County Road 6300 (directly across the street north of the Fairfax City Cemetery) in Fairfax, Oklahoma.

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Johnnie T. Roach, age 72, passed quietly from this life into God’s hands early in the morning on Monday, January 27, 2020, at his home in Ralston, Oklahoma with his loving wife Robyn by his side.  Together, husband and wife, on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in the presence of Bernadean Gates, John and Robyn accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts as their Lord and Savior.

Johnnie was born at home in Ralston on Friday, April 25, 1947, to parents Thomas Burlin and Charlene Marie (Brumley) Roach, the oldest child of nine children.  Most of his life was lived in the Ralston-Fairfax area, where he eventually became better known simply as “John”.  He attended Ralston Schools and the First Baptist Church growing up.

At the age of 19, he joined the Army, proudly serving his country from October 1966 until his honorable discharge three years later in October 1969. He was a Vietnam Veteran.

After returning home to Ralston, he worked as a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker for several years.  He was a hard worker and his greatest enjoyment was found in crafting beautiful cabinets.

John married Gladys “Bernice” Robertson.  Out of this union the family consisted of Bernice’s daughter, Shawnda and their three sons, Johnnie, Dustin, and Donnie.  John loved his children, as well as his many nieces and nephews whom he treated as his own.  Family was very important and dear to him.

On Saturday, September 23, 1995, John married Robyn (Reed) Roach, becoming a Dad to her two daughters, Desarae Kelley and Danielle Oberly.  The couple shared over 24 wonderful years of marriage.

John was a member of the Ralston VFW.  In his spare time, his hobbies included river fishing, telling stories, back roading in his truck, and giving people “a run for their money.”  He often could be found sitting under a cool shade tree visiting with anyone who had a moment.  He always made everyone, even strangers, feel welcome.

Today he is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Robyn, of the home. His three sons, Johnnie and Stephanie Roach of Ralston, Dustin Roach, and Donnie Roach both of Fairfax; three daughters, Shawnda Robertson, Desarae (Kelley) and Scott Clark all of Ralston, and Danielle (Oberly) and Jorden Harris of Pawhuska; a brother James and Peggy Roach and a sister Jeannie and Wayne Burch all of Osage.  Further survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was united in paradise with his parents; infant grandson, Braxton William Wayne Roach; brother, Donald Roach; five sisters, Ethalene Whickoff, Yolanda Roach, Claretta Sanders, Dulcie Goad, and Doris Looney.

John’s wishes were to be cremated without a conventional burial.  He is in the care of Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Robyn would like to say a heartfelt thank-you to Johnnie for being a “rock” to his dad and her the past few months.

The family would like for you to leave remembrances at www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews, and a host of loving in-laws.