Roger L. Florea, 78, of Hopkins, Missouri, passed away on December 17,
2024, at home in Hopkins His 78 years of life were dedicated to
service and family.
Roger was born in 1946 to Orlin and Margaret (King) Florea of Hopkins,
MO. After starting his elementary school education in a one room
schoolhouse, Roger graduated from North Nodaway R-VI High School in
1964. He was drafted into the military and served in Vietnam. As a
Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Roger served his country from 1967 to 1969
and received a Purple Heart. His time in the service made a lasting
impact on his life. Upon returning home, he obtained a business degree
from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO in 1972.
On St. Patrick’s Day in 1969, Roger married the love of his life,
Susan L. Motsinger, and they shared fifty-five wonderful years
together. They started their married life in Colorado Springs, CO
while he finished his military service at Fort Carson, then moved back
to Hopkins, MO. Roger and Sue maintained a small business as
self-employed tax practitioners while he worked several other jobs,
including employment with Peve Feed and Fertilizer, custom combining
with friend Kirby Bovard, a self-employed spraying service, and as a
seed corn dealer for Dekalb/Pfizer. The farm crisis in the 80’s led
Roger to put his business degree to work at Bank Midwest, N.A. where
he served as a Vice President for 23 years before retiring.
Roger continued his life of service as a member of the Glen Ulmer
American Legion Post 288 where he served in many leadership roles. He
was also a member of the United Methodist Church, Maryville VFW Post
442, and Elks Lodge 760. He coached American Legion Baseball and
supported the North Nodaway Mustangs as President of the Booster Club.
He was instrumental in raising funds and upgrading the much-needed
lighting system with friend Tillie Porterfield in 1982 and built the
concession stand in 1983 at the Hopkins city park. Roger saw needs in
his community and worked to make a difference. He served on the
Hopkins Community Club board for many years which provided community
events, such as the Hopkins Picnic and monthly community dinners. He
was elected multiple times to the North Nodaway R-VI School Board,
Hopkins City Council, and Hopkins Township Board.
Roger and Sue raised three children, Brian (Tricia) of Topeka, KS,
Denise (Clint) Rowen of Sheridan, MO, and Keith (Amanda) of Kansas
City, MO. Roger enjoyed camping with friends and family and spent many
years going to the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival, the Old Threshers
Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, IA, and spending Father’s Day at Nine Eagles
State Park. Roger enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to Bluegrass
music, and doing crossword puzzles.
Roger is survived by his wife, three children, and eight
grandchildren, including Mitchell (Maddie) Florea of Lenexa, KS;
Lauren Florea of Lawrence, KS; Garrett Florea of Topeka, KS; Alex,
Gabriella and Abigail Rowen of Sheridan, MO; Owen and Santiago Florea
of Kansas City, MO; sister Paula (Mehmet) Unsal of Teaneck, NJ;
sisters-in-law Vera Florea of Bolivar, MO and Linda Cross of
Maryville, MO. He was preceded in death by parents Orlin and Margaret
Florea, brother’s Wayne and Larry, and sister Janelle.
A visitation will be held on 12/22/2024 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and
services will be held on 12/23/2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Wray Memorial
United Methodist Church, 103 S 4th St., Hopkins, MO.
Services are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville,
Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glen Ulmer
American Legion Post 288, P.O. Box 235, Hopkins, MO 64461.
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