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Homer C. Roos, 83, passed away in his sleep at the home of son and daughter-in-law on Friday, March 28, 2008, after a two-year battle with skin cancer. Homer was born July 9, 1924, the son of Rev. Henry E. and Ella M. Roos, in Cape Girardeau, MO but grew up in Mason, TX. He graduated from Mason High School in 1940 and enlisted in the Navy in September at age 17. After two shore duty stations, he was assigned to the U.S.S. White Plains (CVE-66) in 1943. The ship took part in several invasions in the Pacific theater climaxing with the battle of Layte Gulf on Oct. 25, 1944. His task force earned the Presidential Citation for their part in this, the largest naval battle of modern times. He had met Lois Tilley while on leave in 1944, and they were married in Los Angeles on July 11, 1945. After an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1945, he and Lois moved back to Texas. He entered TCU in 1947 as a pre-med student. After the birth of his son, Joseph H. Roos, his full time studying became part time. He finally received his BA in Business Administration and economics in 1956 from Lamar State College of Technology after attending four colleges. He always said that his diploma had the wrong name on it because Lois was the one who should have graduated, only hers would have been with honors. After living in Fort Worth, Baytown, Houston, and Beaumont, TX, he started working with the FHA as a clerk typist in Washington, DC. The family then moved to St. Louis for Homer's training as a real estate appraiser, then back to Fort Worth for his first assignment. He and Lois moved to Albuquerque in 1973 and to Bernalillo in 1976, where he lived until his death. He retired from the Albuquerque FHA office as deputy chief appraiser in 1979. In 1982 he and Lois started Roos Appraisal Service, and he retired in 1991. Homer enjoyed his family and many friends. He was a lifelong fisherman, and for the last 30 years, enjoyed traveling in the RV. He had a lifetime involvement in service, first as a member of Civitan, and finally as a member of his beloved Rotary. He was a Paul Harris, fellow of Rotary. He was also a Boy Scout leader, provided state and federal tax service for senior citizens, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was an adult reading tutor. He was also active with The U.S.S. White Plains reunion organization. Homer was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Carolin Ann; and his beloved Lois, who died in 2000 after 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, Joe and wife, Sheryl, of Rio Rancho, NM; sister, Lillian Townsend, of Derby, KS; his companion, Judy Johnston; and a host of nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho. Military Honors will be presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. A reception will follow at the Chamisa Hills County Club. Homer would appreciate donations be made to your local Rotary Club or your favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 892-9920 www.danielsfuneral.com
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