DALTON - Don Henderson Roach went to be with his heavenly Father and Savior on Friday, March 10.

Don will be remembered for being devoted to his family, his strong work ethic, the skills he passed on to his children and grandchildren, his orneriness, and his love of music.  He could play guitar and harmonica extremely well.  His music was a blessing to many.  He had enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife, especially their trips to the musical shows at Renfro Valley in Kentucky.

Don was born at home on September 2, 1923, in Kenmore, Ohio, to Frank Benjamin and Mildred May (Pyers) Roach.  He had been a resident of Dalton since 1954 and had previously lived in Kenmore, Cuyahoga Falls, Harrison County, Canal Fulton, Manchester, East Greenville, Killbuck, Welcome, North Lawrence and Atwood Lake.

He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from December 11, 1942 to January 20, 1946, on the USS Birmingham as Seaman First Class and was part of its maiden voyage to Sicily as part of the Sicilian Occupation, the initial attack and invasion of Sicily followed by raids in the Asiatic-Pacific theater which included the attack on Tarawa Island and Wake Island; the Marianas Islands campaign, including the capture and occupation of Guam and Tinian Islands; the Western Caroline Islands Operation, including the capture and occupation of Southern Palau Islands and assaults on the Philippine Islands; the Leyte Operation – Third Fleet supporting operations, including the Okinawa attack, Northern Luzon and Formosa attacks, and Battle for Leyte Gulf; the Iwo Jima Operation, including the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima Island; the Okinawa Gunto Operation attack and occupation.  He was onboard when the USS Birmingham was attempting to put out a major fire on the USS Princeton which consequently blew up and caused hundreds of casualties on the Birmingham.  He was involved in 13 battles while on the USS Birmingham and was awarded 8 Stars for Good Conduct and the Victory Medal.

Don worked at various places, including Briar Hill Stone, and retired with 35 years of service from Orrville Products.  He attended Dalton Baptist Church and was a charter and lifetime member of Killbuck VFW.

Don married Florence Irene Roach on July 31, 1948 in Greenup, Kentucky.  She preceded him in death on December 22, 2012.  He is survived by five daughters and their husbands, 18 grandchildren, and 41 great grandchildren, including 4 to be born soon.  Daughters and their families are Donna and Dave Warner of Dalton and their children and spouses Betsy and Tim Eggers (Henry, George, Emaline, Lucy) of Napoleon, Ben and Tasha Warner (Caleb, Kiersten, Hudson) of Hydro, OK, Brad and Jenna Warner (baby due) of Orrville; Kathy and Dave Greegor of Dalton and their children and spouses Rachel and Eric Quillin (Spencer, Moriah, Garrett, Allison, Clark, Mitchell, Levi, Clara) of Stone Creek, Dave Greegor of Minerva and fiancée Kristin Himes, Seth and Christina Greegor (Ellie, Addilynn, Alivia, baby due) of Dalton; Nancy and Terry Cumberland of Kingwood, WV and their children and spouses Heather and Joel Marshall (Zachary, Moriah, Nathaniel, Jeremiah, Russell, Katie-Rose) of Tunnelton, WV, Elizabeth and Mark Wagner (Daniel, Hannah, Karis, Jessa, Roscoe) of Cabot, PA; Eileen and Craig Hackett of Dalton and their children and spouses Daniel and Katie Hackett (George, baby due) of Dalton; Becka and Andy Lash (Aria, Hackett, Tobin) of Dalton, Holly and Kevin Moody (baby due) of Canton, Leiah and Justin Abshear (Kiaran) of Springfield, Gavin and Mikayla of Orrville; Patty and Kelly Becker of Dalton and their children and spouses Michaela and Frank Gannett of Big Sandy, MT, Logan Becker of Hydro, OK, Courtney and Narinh Khongphatthana (Alexa, Tristan, Brycen) of Orrville, Aaron Becker of Wooster, Dillon Becker of Wooster.

He is also survived by a brother Dale and Laura Roach of Killbuck, and sisters Glenda and Al Arnold of Killbuck, Ruth Ann and Dick Uhl of Millersburg, sister-in-law Jeanetta Roach of Canal Fulton, brother-in-law Jim Chaney of Millersburg.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Daniel; brothers Harold and wife Dorothy, Thomas, Herbert and wife Edna, and Jack Roach, and sister Frances Roach.

Memorial service will be Saturday, March 18, at 10:00 am at Dalton Baptist Church, 400 Lincolnview Drive, Dalton, with Pastors Dave Greegor and Terry Cumberland co-officiating.  Inurnment will be in Dalton Cemetery immediately following the service with a military service provided by the Killbuck VFW Post 7079.  Friends and family may call one hour prior to service at the church.

Don’s request was that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dalton Baptist Church, PO Box 110, Dalton 44618. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-828-2536)

 Service Information