Roger Clark Wilson

ROGER CLARK WILSON, 79, of Chubbuck, Idaho, passed away on December 1, 2022, with his wife of 53 years, Jolene(Jo) (Henderson) Wilson by his side. Roger fought a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer's disease. He was born to parents, Dale and Eleanor Wilson, on June 8, 1943, in Boise, Idaho. He was the second oldest of six siblings. As a child, his family moved frequently. Roger attended schools in Caldwell, Boise, and McCall. He went to three different schools in the third grade alone. He attended his sophomore year of high school at Pocatello High School and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1962. He attended both Pocatello High School and Twin Falls High School class reunions, as he had many friends at both schools.

Roger has been known since he was a young boy as having a kind heart, gentle soul, was understanding and a friend to everyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor and would laugh with people until they cried! He was incredibly healthy and as strong as an ox! He loved to dance! Roger and Jo met dancing and loved to dance together. Roger often danced with his caregivers and they loved dancing with him! Roger especially loved to tease Jolene by calling her “Josephenie” and singing the Dolly Parton song, “Jolene” to her! Which drove Jo crazy!

In 1963, Roger and his future brother-in-law, Alvis Reed, joined the Air Force on the “buddy system” and served at Lackland Air Force Base. Roger then served in the 634th Combat Support Group in Nakhon Phanom Airbase in Northeast Thailand during the Vietnam War, as a military police officer. He was Honorably Discharged April 16th, 1967, at Travis Airforce Base, California.While Roger was overseas, there was a television special with Bob Hope performing for the troops. Roger’s youngest siblings, Mike and Shauna were watching and they zoomed in on Roger in the crowd. It was a special moment for them, as they missed him terribly. As with most Veterans, he did not talk much about his time in the war but was very proud to serve his country.

Roger married Jolene (Henderson) and her two young daughters, Michelle and Monica on April 4, 1969, in Pocatello, Idaho. They added son Ryan, and daughter Nicholette (Nikki) to the family over the next several years. As a family, they took many camping trips all over the country. Roger taught his kids, and many of their friends, to water and snow ski, ride bikes, motorcycles, how to change a tire, to take pride in a clean vehicle by hand washing them, and never ever let your gas tank get below ½ a tank of gas! Roger and Jo loved having a beautiful yard. Jo had gorgeous flowers and Roger always had a perfectly manicured lawn. Roger was a great handy-man and built beautiful decks on their home.

Roger and Jo loved getting all the family together for every holiday and special family events. They were happiest when they had their kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren around. They loved big family meals together, followed by countless hours of playing cards. Roger loved their second home in Mackay, Idaho, where everyone had a wonderful time together around the campfire, hiking, 4-wheeling, golfing, and much laughter. Roger loved to support his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all their activities and attended every sporting event, choir concert, musicals, drama performance, dance recitals, gymnastics competitions…. you name it…he was there! Roger coached Ryan in soccer, basketball, and baseball.

Roger was a truck driver for several companies and spent 35 years working for Consolidated Freight Ways (CF) and he won safety awards annually. Roger was transferred to the CF plant in Idaho Falls, but because his children were teenagers, he decided not to relocate his family, but chose to commute to Idaho Falls instead. He always put his family first.

After retirement, Roger scoured the west looking for parts to restore his beautiful teal colored 1939 GMC truck, and a black-cherry colored 1939 Chevy truck for Jolene, which Roger won numerous trophies at Classic Car & Truck shows, including Chrome in the Dome. Roger and Jo had a blast traveling to various car shows together and Roger took immense pride in his restored trucks. They also shared many memories with their long-time friends traveling in their RV’s, snowmobiling, attending ISU football games, and playing cards. He was an outstanding bowler and participated in a bowling league for years. He also loved to challenge people in a game of pool, which he was also a pro at! Roger was an avid golfer. He looked forward to golfing every morning, rain, or shine, with his golf buddies.

Roger is survived by wife Jolene, children, Michelle (Rod) McCurdy, Monica (Rick) White, Ryan (Marcia) Wilson and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of his fivesiblings, Sharon Irwin, Judy (Alvis) Reed, Ron (Lydia) Wilson, Mike Wilson, and Shauna (Tanya) Wilson. He is proceeded in death by his precious infant daughter Nikki, his parents, and brother-in law Darryl Irwin. The family would like to thank the staff at Caring Hearts and Heritage Hospice for the wonderful love and care they provided for Roger.

Roger was one of the finest men to walk on this earth. He will be deeply missed. A graveside service with Military Rites will be held on December 7, 2022, at 11:00 am, at the Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave, Pocatello, ID (47 West.) A Celebration of Life will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, 200 Via Venition Dr, Pocatello, in the Snake River Conference Room, from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm, following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tribute donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Roger.



 

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