Roger Willoughby Obituary

Roger, son of William Lowell Willoughby, Sr., and Ethel Wilene (Carroll) Willoughby, was born in Waynesville, MO on July 1, 1967. He grew up in Richland, MO and graduated from Richland High School in 1985. Ever since he was a little boy, you could find Roger helping his dad in their small engine repair shop in Richland. He continued to work in the shop through high school and for many years after, usually 6 days a week. He also spent the last few years working different jobs around Fort Leonard Wood. Roger married Sinda Deanne Jeffries on July 5, 1988, in Richland, Missouri, and together they raised a daughter, Tressa, and a son, Owen. He could fix anything, especially anything mechanical or electrical. If you had a question about something you were working on, he was the person to ask. Not only would he more than likely know the answer, but there was a very good chance that he would be there to help as soon as he could. He enjoyed working on a project and being able to show someone how to do it, no matter what it was. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, soaking up the sun on the beach, riding motorcycles, and working on his piece of land in North Carolina. A good vacation for Roger usually had to include some manual labor. He spent the last years of his life just like he spent all the others, worrying about someone else. After finding the cancer, his biggest concern was making sure Sinda was going to be taken care of. Roger's long battle with cancer did not define him. He lived each day to the fullest and with everything he had. The love and care of his family gave him great strength every day. On the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Roger passed from this life into the arms of God with his loved ones by his side having attained the age of 58. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife: Sinda Willoughby of the home; two children: Tressa Elam (Jeff) of Springfield, MO and Owen Willoughby (Charli) of Lebanon, MO; five grandchildren: Braxton Elam, Connor Elam, Cayde Willoughby, Olivia Willoughby, and Zane Willoughby; his mother: Wilene Rowden of Richland, MO; one brother: Bill Willoughby (Ana) of Richland, MO; three sisters: Bev Breeden (Danny) of Stoutland, MO, Jacquetha Owens (Craig) of Jacksonville, FL and Janice Lucas (Alan) of Richland, MO; mother-in-law: Linda Jeffries of Richland, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, "Bill" Willoughby, paternal grandparents, LaVerne and Louise Willoughby, maternal grandparents, Willis and Argie Carroll, step dad, Zane Rowden, and father-in-law, Larry Jeffries. He set the example of what it truly means to be a great husband, dad, papa, son, brother, uncle and friend. Even though he is gone from our sight, Roger's legacy of love and commitment to his family will live on in hearts forever. Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Brother Gary Henson and Brother Kevin Rowden officiating. Recorded songs included "I'm Not Ok" – Jelly Roll, "Long Black Train" - Chuck Boren, "Lead Me Home" – Jamie Johnson, and "Go Rest High On That Mountain" – Vince Gill. Serving as escorts were Owen Willoughby, Braxton Elam, Jeff Elam, Rod Sherrer, Scott Breeden, and Connor Elam. Honorary escorts included Roger Carrol, Junior Starnes, Wayne Britzman, Donald Parten, Danny Breeden, and Brian Allen. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Roger Willoughby and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.