William Roger Deel left the OSU Medical Center and went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, December 19, 2009. He was greeted by his son Todd who had arrived on March 27, 2009.
Roger was born in Williamson, WV on December 30, 1943 to Hayes and Esta Sellards Deel who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a special brother-in-law Ron Twyman. He married the former Linda Burger who survives along with a son Gregg (Karen) Deel of Vinton and a daughter-in-law Tracy Deel of Thurman. He was very proud of his five grandchildren: Megan, Kayla, Zak, Jordan and Maddie. He is survived by two brothers: Fred (Mary) Deel of Vinton and Jerry (Linda) Deel of Gallipolis. His family also included sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carole (Ray) Kemper, Joyce Twyman, Patricia (Pat) Stout and Kris (Amy) Burger. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Roger retired from the Ohio Valley Electric Corp. on March 2, 2007. He left many friends there and fondly remembered them often. After retirement he devoted much of his time to running his Angus farm with his son Gregg. He also spent his spare time making sure Johnny Payne made no mistakes running his farming operation.
He was a member of the Gallia County Jr. Fair Contest Premium Awards Committee for several years and was always ready to help 4-H members with their animals before and during the fair.
He graduated from North Gallia High School in 1963 where he was an outstanding athlete. He continued to be involved with the schools, enjoying watching athletic events and he loved to help run the chains during the football games on Friday nights. He was also inducted into the Gallia County Local Schools Academic Excellence Hall of Fame for his service and commitment to the school system and children of Gallia County.
His services are under the direction of McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 PM and a celebration of his life on Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Both of these will be at the Vinton Baptist Church, 11818 SR 160, Vinton, where he attended. Officiating will be Pastors Chester Hess and Marvin Sallee.
Serving as pallbearers will be Roger's nephews: Rocky Kemper, Brian Stout, Brandon Twyman, Jason Stout, Chris Preston, Kyle Deel, Derek Burger and Ryan Burger.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the River Valley Athletic Facility, Gallia County Schools, 230 Shawnee Lane, Gallipolis, Ohio, 45631 Attn: Sandra Foster.
Condolences may be sent to www.timeformemory.com/mm