Roger Jerome Waldrup's Obituary
Roger Jerome Waldrup, age 86, of Coulterville, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:04 a.m., in his home, surrounded by his family.
Roger was born on April 30, 1938, in Edmond, OK, a son to Luther Jerome and Clara Edna (Logan) Waldrup. On December 25, 1956, he married Carlene Schroeder in Lindsay, OK, and she survives him. Together Roger and Carlene owned and operated Waldrup's Café in the heart of Coulterville for over 17 years. During his high school and college years, Roger excelled in football and baseball, attracting the attention of professional scouts. Yet, he chose to forgo a career in the major leagues, dedicating himself instead to the noble pursuits of teaching, coaching, and raising a family. Roger's career was marked by his dedication as both a teacher and a coach across several schools. In Sparta, he imparted knowledge and honed young athletes on the football and baseball fields. His journey then took him to Granite City, Illinois, where he guided students and athletes at Coolidge Junior High as well as coaching basketball. His teaching career then took him to Granite City High school, where he taught Vocational Building trades. This is where he retired from teaching. In Coulterville, Illinois, he extended his expertise to help launch the girls' sports programs at Coulterville High School. Roger also served as the president for many years of the Khoury League's Youth Baseball League. As a result of Rogers dedication and love for youth and sports, girls athletics came to fruition. He wrapped up his coaching career with his son-in-law Daryl, when together they restarted the American Legion baseball team in Sparta, IL in the 1990s. Beyond the field and classroom, he found joy in training bird dogs, hunting, and fishing. Some of his greatest "adventures" were spent on the lake in his fishing boat. Although Roger was passionate about his roles as a teacher and coach, his greatest devotion was to his family, cherishing every moment spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. His influence as a mentor touched the lives of hundreds, creating a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
The family would like to express a special thanks to HSHS Hospice for their excellent staff and the exceptional care that they provided.
Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Carlene Waldrup of Coulterville, IL; two sons, Scott (Lupe) Waldrup of Mascoutah, IL, and Rocky (Gina) Waldrup of Coulterville, IL; three daughters, Kelly Waldrup (Melissa Uhles) of Shiloh, IL, Kim (Dennis) Hood of Coulterville, IL and Kacey (Daryl) Frederking of Coulterville, IL; one sister, Sandy McCracken of Chickasha, OK; Fifteen grandchildren, Jordan Waldrup-Uhles, Joshua Waldrup-Uhles, Lindy Odum, Christy Hood, Dustin Hood, bobby Howard, Brandon Howard, Jennifer Fortkamp, Emma Rister, Scotty Waldrup, Brock Waldrup, Colt Waldrup, Drew Frederking, Lucas Frederking, and Ellie Frederking; and one great grandchild, Gavin Fortkamp.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Logan Waldrup; brother-in-law, Gary McCracken; and a brother and sister-in-law, O.T. and Linda Brooks.
Funeral services will be held Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor DeLaron Douglas and Brother Mark Lee officiating. Interment will be at Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, IL.
A visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
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