Roger Don Ely

Roger Don Ely, 67, of Merkel passed away on November 14, 2023.

Roger was born on April 8, 1956 to R.D. Ely and Virginia Ross. He attended school in Merkel, where he cultivated many friendships. He worked in the oil field and in between booms he would use his skills in carpentry to keep busy, all the while building friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Roger enjoyed dancing, Judge Judy, riding horses, playing golf, a good western novel, catching a Cowboy’s game from his recliner, and spending time with friends. The thing that made him smile the most was his children and grandchildren. “Pappy” attended as many events of the grandkids as he could, cheering them all on from the sidelines with his Whataburger cup in hand.
 

Roger was preceded in death by his father, R.D. Ely; mother, Virginia Ross; sister, Charlotte Alexander; and grandson, Zachary Ely.

Roger is survived by his son, Rusty Ely; daughter, Sally Foss and husband Joshua; daughter, Misty Folger and her other half Bo Barnes; daughter, Rachelle Rister and husband John; sister, Barbara Alexander; brother Ronnie Alexander and wife Michelle. Grandchildren: Jayden Foss, Ethan Ely, Preston Folger, Jaxon Foss, Hunter Ely, Paige Folger, Kenzlee Rister, Branson Rister, Peyton Aaron, Raylan Ely, Stevie Foss, Bentley Rister, and Everleigh Ely; great granddaughter, Dahlia Ely and many nieces and nephews.

With a heart as big as Texas his love was returned with many blessings. Diana Bien blessed him with Rusty, Sally and Misty. Shelah Morton blessed him with Rachelle.  Jeanie West blessed him with Daniel and Krystal.

Pallbearers will be: Rusty Ely, Ethan Ely, Hunter Ely, Jayden Foss, Jaxon Foss, and Scott Shipman.

Honorary pallbearer will be Benny Bob Ingram.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 16th, from 5-7 PM at Starbuck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17th at 10 AM at First Baptist Church in Merkel. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. Services are under the direction of Starbuck Family Funeral Home.

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