Master Sgt. Thomas W. Roe, 81, of Rosemount, died Monday, October 7, 2024 at SOMC. He was born June 11, 1943 in Portsmouth, to the late Leon and Virginia (Bloomfield) Roe.
Tom was a United states Army Veteran, having retired after 26 years of service, which included four combat duties, serving in both the Vietnam War and the Korean War, and receiving over 150 combat medals, most notably, the Medal of Valor and a Purple Heart. After retirement from the military, Tom owned and operated Roe Trucking. Tom was also a member of Rosemount Bible Chapel Church, where he served many years as assistant pastor and Sunday School Superintendent.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Judy Frazier, and a son-in-law, Christopher McKinley.
Tom is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Ruth Stanley Roe, a son, Thomas D. Roe of Rosemount, four daughters, Tracy Riffe (Kevin) of Lucasville, Jessica Roe (Charlie Everhart) of Portsmouth, Jennifer Jimenez (Philip) of Calallen, TX, and Jolena Roe of Rosemount, a sister, Mary Lou Grooms of South Point. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Erica McGraw (Aaron), Kelsy Copas (Tyler), Tessa Riffe (Jacob), Joshua Mullins, Noah Burns (Zoey), Gabriel Dickerson, Coren Josiah “CJ” Dickerson, Austin Jimenez (Arianna), Natalie Jimenez, Adrien Jimenez, Isiah Jimenez, Isabella Jimenez (Drew), and Quinten Roe, and nine-great-grandchildren, Connor, Ethan, and Piper McGraw, Emaline Batista, Logan, Chloe, Jace, and Kyler “Benjamin” Bustamante, and Colton Mullins, as well as an abundance of extended family that he loved very much.
Tom also leaves behind some of his special military comrades, Buck Barrett, Don Coshey, Greg Springer, Gene Marcum, and Walt Tichnall.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 14, 2024 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Rev. Carl Rose officiating. Burial will follow at the family land, Garden Avenue, Rosemount with military graveside rites be provided by the Ohio National Guard in conjunction with the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23.
A visitation for friends and family will be on Monday, from noon until the time of service at 2:00 at the funeral home. At the conclusion of the graveside military rites, the family invites the attendees to the Portsmouth Eagles, 1630 Gallia Street, Portsmouth, for a Celebration of Life dinner.
Monday
October 14, 2024
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
United states Army Veteran