Tony Roe

Although his life was greatly enriched by many things, there was nothing that meant more to Bernard “Tony” Roe than the priceless love he shared with his wife and children. He viewed his roles as a husband and father to be both his highest calling and his greatest gift, and he left no doubt in the hearts and minds of his family about just how deeply they were loved. It has been said that all who were a part of Tony’s life were changed for the better and in so doing, he created priceless memories with countless people within the community he called home throughout his entire life. Daily life will never be the same without Tony here, but his legacy of unconditional love, unending devotion, and unmatched character will live on in the lives of those who follow him.

The American spirit was alive and well during the decade that is often referred to as the Roaring Twenties. The end of WWI in 1919 left us recognized as a world leader by nations around us and with innovation that was only limited by the scope of one’s imagination, advancements in both the business and industrial sectors were plentiful. The year 1922 saw the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, the continued explosion of commercial radio stations, and the commissioning of the first United States Aircraft Carrier, which were just a few of the accomplishments that helped define this colorful decade. This same year brought unspeakable joy to one young family from Climax, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on December 19th. Baby Tony was one of seven children born to his parents, Harry and Ethel Roe, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Mahlon, Merle "Mike" and Harry, and his sisters, June, Arlene and Esther. His father worked as a railroad maintenance supervisor while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home.

Raised in the small village of Climax, Tony, as he was usually known, experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of his day. The laid back pace of country living suited the family well, and Tony loved horses and everything that farm life entailed. The Roe family was a close knit group and remained as such through the years. Tony attended local schools and enjoyed playing both baseball and football. In fact, he was a member of the first six-man football team in Climax. It doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that he also liked to dance with the young ladies!

In 1940, one event in Tony's life helped define his character. As he and a group of friends were traveling on US-12 just two miles west of Battle Creek, they witnessed a car crash. Tony and his friend Donald Littlejohn helped rescue the passengers in their own vehicle and then went and pulled two ladies out of the other car, before it burst into flames. The driver of that car unfortunately didn't survive the crash but the heroics of two boys from Climax made the local papers.

While attending Climax High School, Tony met the young girl with whom he spent a lifetime of love. Her name was Phyllis Lobig, and once they began dating she wouldn’t let him go! Not long after he graduated from high school in 1941, Tony and his sweetheart became husband and wife on September 26, 1942. Together they were blessed with three boys including Danny, Jack, and Roger, and they were the light of Tony’s life. Both Tony and Phyllis were very attentive parents who took extremely good care of their boys despite having limited resources. What the Roes may have lacked according to the world’s measure they more than made up for with love, respect, and unconditional acceptance of one another. Tony was generous with his affection as well, and his family always looked forward to their hugs in the kitchen when he got home from work. Through the years the family enjoyed the companionship of several dogs that were like additional members of their family. Tony viewed the days each one of their sons was born as the greatest days of his life and although he would have been content to throw one more into the mix as a daughter would have delighted him as well, his wife was more than satisfied with her bustling clan of boys.

In order to support his family, Tony worked hard combining both his mechanical and communication skills to build a successful career. He took his role as the provider in his family to heart while enjoying his work as well. Tony retired in 1987.

It was clear to see that there was nothing more near and dear to Tony’s heart than his family, yet he found other people and things in his life to be very enriching, too. For 30 years both he and Phyllis loved getting together with their party group filled with numerous friends with whom they had so much fun. Throughout his life Tony liked playing golf and hunting both deer and small game, usually on Sundays since that was his day off from work, which gave him time to relax. After he retired, the couple enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit with their many friends, and of course Tony had more time to spend out on the golf course, too.

When reflecting on the life of Tony Roe, words such as hardworking, fun-loving, and kind come to mind, yet it was his steadfast love for his family that will be his lasting legacy. With the love of his life by his side for several decades, the couple shared a marriage that exemplifies what marriage is truly intended to be as their love for each other through thick and thin was easy to see. A more devoted father would be hard to find, and when his family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren Tony couldn’t have been happier. The memories he leaves behind will remain forever engraved upon the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Tony will be deeply missed.

Bernard L. "Tony" Roe of Climax died on Friday, January 27, 2012. Tony’s family includes his wife, Phyllis; three children: Danny (Robin) Roe, of Climax; Jack (Lynda) Roe, of SC; Roger Roe, of VA; eight grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren; a sister: Esther (Dudley) Hunt, Battle Creek; two brothers: Mahlon (Joan) Roe, of Climax; Harry (Peggy) Roe, Jr, of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sisters June (Wesley) Graham, Arlene Roe and his brother Mike (Betty) Roe. A memorial service gathering will be held at the Climax/Scotts American Legion Post #465 on Saturday, February 4th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Please visit Tony’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite photo or sign his memory book online. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Climax/Scotts American Legion Post #465. The family is being assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697).