Benny "Roy" Roach

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 9:37 AM

By Aaron DeOrnellis

Benny Leroy “Roy” Roach, age 90, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022

Benny Leroy “Roy” Roach, age 90, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022. Roy was born in September of 1931 on the family farm in Estherville, Iowa to Benny Thomas Roach and Ruth (Rogers) Roach. Roy grew up on the farm alongside one brother and three sisters.

He was active in high school sports, and after graduation, joined the National Guard. Roy married in 1948 and they had five children, the youngest passing away at birth. His interest in all things mechanical, steered Roy’s occupational path to that of a heavy equipment operator, in which he worked internationally and domestically for years. Roy married Ruth, with daughter Lois, in August of 1961. An occupational accident in 1964 crushed his knee and after recovery he worked five years as a radio station DJ. During their time together Roy and Ruth first operated a beverage business, and then the B&R Garage Door business in Joplin. Ruth preceded him in death in 1999. He was active as a member and musician in the churches of his communities. He has long been a member of the Masons, Scottish Rites, Shriners, Oriental Band, and Elks. Roy served twice as Master in Joplin Lodge 335, and later in life joined the lodges in Cassville and Shell Knob. Roy shared his senior years in Cassville with Mary, where they served as the foundation of an extending family.

Roy, forever loved and missed by both the young and the old amongst us.

Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.