Richard (Richie) Emil Roecker, 92, passed away July 25, 2008. He was born May 17, 1916 in Glen Flora, Texas to the late Emil Richard and Ida Agnes Roecker. He was married to Hazel Estelle Salley. Richie proudly served in the U. S. Army in World War II with duty in Alaska and Europe and was attached to Headquarters 81st Field Artillery Battalion. After returning from service he lived in Clemville, Texas and worked in the oil field for Hamill and Hamill. In 1957 he and his family moved to Markham, Texas where he resided until his death. He was a founding member of Markham M.U.D. and Markham Volunteer Fire Department. Richie retired from Crockell Oil Co. in 1981. His hobbies included anything he could do from the seat of his Ford tractor, gardening, and 'piddling'. He was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. One of his greatest enjoyments was teaching his grandchildren how to safely drive and operate the lawn mower, the tractor, and later the pickup. Richie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City where he served as a deacon. Due to advancing age, he transferred his membership to the First Baptist Church of Markham which was closer to home.
Richie is survived by his loving wife, Hazel; daughter Salley Sue Rickaway and husband Fred of Ganado, Texas; sons Carl Smoot Roecker of Houston, Texas, and James Geren and wife Nelda Roecker of Markham, Texas. PaPa's true love was his grandchildren Shayne Rickaway and wife Cathy; Shanna Moore; Shelley and husband Keith Beckman; Ryan and wife Jenny Roecker and Jodi and husband Cody Spalek; great grandchildren Blake and Brynnley Beckman; Emily and Ethan Roecker and Madilyn and Colton Spalek. Richie was preceded in death by his sister Ruth Cotton and brothers Benny, Carl and Chester Roecker and daughter-in-law Louise Roecker.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday July 27, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. A Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday July 28, 2008 at the First Baptist Church (170 Ave. K) in Markham. Internment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Markham or charity of donor's choice.