Edward “Barney” Roese, 93, of South Bloomfield, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 12, 2015, with his devoted wife of 21 years and loving family members by his side.
He was born June 21, 1922, in South Bloomfield, to Edward “Whitey” Roese and Sallie Welch Roese.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, D. Helen Roese, Lucille Roese, Georgia Graham, Martha Huston Cline, Pauline Elizabeth Roese and Rebecca Tosca; wives, Charlotte Dunnick Roese and Mary V. (Peg) Roese; daughter-in-law, Janet (Stover) Roese; and in-laws, Don and Helen Doherty.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kate) Roese; sons, David Roese, Bruce (Terry) Roese, Mike (Mary) Lombardo, Keith (Rita) Roese, Joe (Julie) Lombardo and R.D. Roese; daughter, Karen (Lombardo) Wells; step-children, Susan (JT) Taylor and John (Dianna) Perry; nieces, Sally (George) Reid, Mona Lee (Jerry) Trego and Judy (Larry) Beard; grandchildren, Scott Cooper, Tara (Jason) Schnetzler, PJ (Peter) Guldager, Shane (Teri) Roese, Stacy (Brent) Morrow, Cindy (Scott) Williams, Shannon (Shannon) Roese, Bobby (Jennifer) Lombardo, Amy (Phil) Peters, Monica (Francesco) Todisco, Emily Roese, Ashley Roese (Brandon Paris), Abby (Dominic) Koah, Josiah Roese, Jessica Mateer and Justin Mateer. Barney also had numerous great-grandchildren and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Barney never left the Ashville/South Bloomfield area except for his military service. His fondest memories growing up in this community are the time spent in the family produce business, working the surrounding fields and attending South Bloomfield United Methodist Church.
He was a proud member of the Ashville High School basketball team (1936 to 1940), winning several titles. He served three years abroad in World War II (1942 to 1945) as a volunteer member of the celebrated Darby’s Ranger Group 1st Batallion. He participated in seven actual landings in the African, Italian and French campaigns. After the military, he got involved in the asphalt construction industry, in which he worked for Zeller Inc., Strawser Paving, VanCamp Paving Company, and after 40-plus years worked an additional 20 years with Roese Brothers Paving.
Barney enjoyed traveling, especially to military reunions with his wife, Kate, across the US and Europe.
He supported his family in many ways by attending all holiday, school athletic events, etc. He taught them the importance of a strong work ethic. He enjoyed parades in his 1931 Ford – in fact being able to participate in the Memorial Day and 4th of July parade just days before his passing. All grandchildren have pictures on Santa “Barney’s” lap as he dressed up to make Christmas special for each of them.
Barney was a blessing to those whose lives he touched. He will live in our memories as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Barney Roese stories will live on forever.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main St., Ashville. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015, at Heritage Nazarene Church, 2264 Walnut Creek Pike, Circleville, with Pastor Floyd Hubbell officiating. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will follow in Harrison Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family request contributions should be made to South Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5027 Second St., South Bloomfield, Ohio 43103.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
