SPAULDING, ROGER C.

Roger Carl Spaulding, 90, born April 18, 1921, passed over into the joy of his Lord Sunday, May 29, 2011.

He is the husband of Helen Spaulding for 63 years, and beloved father of three children, Pamela, Kathy and Gregory. These three survive as well as six grandchildren, Annie, her husband, Maj. Lawrence Bradley Green, and their children, Scout, Colter and Bridger; Joshua Roger Spaulding; Megan and her husband, Kris DiMercurio, and their children, Urijah and Giana; Izaak Spaulding; Lauren and her husband, Jamie Beckley, and their children, Ava Grace and James Jr.; and Alicia Crouch. Also, Roger’s two nieces, Jane Waggoner (husband, Tom) and Judy Jurisic (husband, Jeff); and a nephew, Floyd Barker (wife, Patti), mourn his passing.

During World War II, Roger served for the duration in the Marine Raiders in the Pacific. Wounded in action, he completed his service by taking his men into Tokyo, Japan, before peace was signed to knock out the guns surrounding Tokyo Bay that could endanger the ship, Missouri, when she came in for the signing of a peace treaty ending the war. As a farmer in Southern Indiana, he raised cattle, grain and a family with three children.

In his fifties, Roger opened a new chapter in his life when he and his wife served in the mission field for Christ approximately 10 years. He had a big heart, enjoying serving the Lord in several countries including Liberia in the Peace Corps, three years in Costa Rica and three years in Khabarovsk, Far East Russia. He is loved by his family and those who knew him, including friends from the countries where they served. He was proud of his country, the U.S. Marine Corps and enjoyed the opportunity to show the world the truth of Christ. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at First United Methodist Church in Spring Hill, Fla. Following the service, there will be a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Later, a graveside service will take place at Vernon Cemetery in Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to The Mission Society at First United Methodist Church, Spring Hill. Brewer & Sons Funeral Home