Ivan Luis Roque

Retired 1st SGT Ivan Luis Roque, age 64, of Smiths Station, Alabama passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Ivan was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico; son of the late Jesus Roque Martinez and Esperanza Colon.

Ivan entered the Army on May 9, 1978, Graduated Airborne School in 1986, Graduated Ranger School in 1990. He served in Operation Just Cause in Panama from December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990. He completed First Sergeant Academy Course in 1997 and Retired May 31, 2000 as First Sergeant, Rank E-8. He was awarded the Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, Uruguayian Parachutist Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Other than his father, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jesus Manuel Roque.

Survivors include his mother, Esperanza Colon, his wife of 15 loving years, Nina Serda Roque; daughter, Sheryl Roque Bell and husband, Matt, granddaughters, Mia Bell and Ella Bell; son Ivan Roque Medina and wife, Laurie, grandson, Xander Medina; three step-daughters, Amanda Serda, Katrinia Rucker and Nia Deminico and one step-son, Kolby Rucker. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Shawn Allen, Jr., Destiny Givens,Dameion Givens, Jr., Terry "Gabriel" Moore, Sophia Moor, Sebastian Rucker and Brooklyn Rucker, along with sister, Janet Roque and husband, Hector Urbina, nephews, Alejandro Urbina, Joel Urbina, niece Carol Urbina and brother, Amaury Roque.

A visitation for family and friends for Ivan will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Phenix City, 3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, Alabama 36867. A celebration of life funeral service will occur Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 3770 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, Alabama 36867. A burial with full military honors will occur at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 Hwy. 165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shphenixcity.com for the Roque family.