Roger Lee Wenzel

As a “big boy with a big heart,” Roger was the joy of his parent’s lives. He attended Hamilton Public Schools his entire life and graduated in 1977. He was known as an exceptional athlete, and an avid golfer.

He married the love of his life, Mary Williams, on November 5, 1983, and they loved their life in the country in the Aleman area.

Even though Roger suffered many illnesses in his life, anyone who knew him would tell you that he had one of the most positive attitudes and sweetest smiles that anyone had ever witnessed. He had a beautiful and uplifting look at life. As his wife says, “Even if he was really feeling bad, he always had a smile on his face.” And, as many of his friends and family would say, “He never met a stranger.”

Roger and Mary enjoyed life to its fullest, in spite of his illnesses. They enjoyed playing in golf tournaments, watching and attending sports events, making trips together, and even playing Bingo when they could. Although they were not able to do it often, they loved driving to Bossier City. As a result of these activities, they have gained scores of lifelong friends wherever they went. When they were home, Roger also enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Brownie, who was always at his side.

As either Roger or Mary would tell you, it really didn’t matter what they did, because they were always so happy together. Of course, in the last few years, they were together constantly, as they traveled back and forth to Scott & White Hospital in Temple, hoping to get Roger well enough to receive a much-needed kidney. For the past two years, they made that trip to Temple every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and often a doctor appointment would be necessary on a Tuesday and/or a Thursday. Dialysis and appointments would generally take all day, and although they had left their home in the pre-dawn hours, it would be late in the day before they arrived back home. They have literally made that trip hundreds of times in the last couple of years.

Roger had grown to love their church at Blue Ridge, where he volunteered for anything that he could do. He especially loved the Sunday School class, and was so excited to be learning more of God’s Word. Despite his health problems, Roger’s love for the Lord grew, and he wanted to serve Him because of everything He had done for him.

He also enjoyed working part-time at Riley Funeral Home as a funeral attendant. He considered it an honor and a joy to help bereaved families.

Because of countless hours at Scott & White Medical Center, Roger and Mary developed a deep love and appreciation for all their doctors and nurses. Perhaps Dr. Matt Lynch was his favorite, and Roger often referred to him as the “king” of doctors.

Roger, Mary, their family, and their friends had prayed for a new kidney, but God chose instead to give him an entirely new body, as he left this earthly home and Roger arrived in the arms of Jesus, our Savior, completely healed from head to toe on the afternoon on June 2nd.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his mother, Charlotte Wenzel; a treasured aunt, Von Dean Wolf; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Eldor, and his father-in-law, James Flippen.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Riley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Riley Funeral chapel with Brother Miles Miers officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Aleman.

Arrangements under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Hamilton, Texas.