Donald Ray Roach, of Dowagiac

Published 8:59 am Friday, January 17, 2020

Feb. 29, 1944 — Jan. 12, 2020

Donald Ray Roach, 75, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness in his home on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac.

Donald was born on Feb. 29, 1944, in Pocahontas, Arkansas to the late William and Norma (McNabb) Roach. He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1962. Soon thereafter, on June 17, 1962, he married Colleen Moore. Don worked at MI Gas & Electric Company/AEP from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. He coached little league baseball while his sons played, and was president of the Dowagiac Athletic Booster Club for nine years. Don was also a past member of the Elks. Most important to Don was the love for his family, as he dearly loved and cared for them all.

Don is survived by his wife, Colleen; his three children, Rai Ann (Ray) Ferrier, Clinton (Nanette) Roach and Richard Roach, all of Dowagiac; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley (Glenn) Stewart and Phyllis (John) Valdes; a brother, Stephen (Debbie) Roach; and a sister-in-law, Marie Roach.

He is preceded in death by his parents-William and Norma, and brothers-Billie and Charles.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at Clark Chapel in Dowagiac, with Pastor Stacey Wilder officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dowagiac Athletic Booster Club or to Caring Circle Hospice. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at clarkch.com.