Roger Wallingford

Roger C Wallingford, 76, of Independence, KS went to be with our Lord on October 4, 2020 at Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita, KS. Roger was born in Coffeyville, KS to Harold C. and Wilma Irene (Roberts) Wallingford on January 11, 1944. They lived in Mound Valley, KS and Roger grew up there and attended Mound Valley school until his junior & senior years, when he transferred to Labette County High School in Altamont, graduating in the Class of 1962. It was there he obtained his trade as a tool & die maker. After graduation, he worked in Emporia, KS at Didde Glasser Mfg., moving to Independence, KS in February 1965 to begin his employment with Automotive Controls in the tool & die department, retiring in 1995.

In 1964 he joined the Army Reserve in Emporia and later transferred to the 1011th S&S Co. in Independence. May 1968 that unit was activated for training at Ft. Benning, GA and Roger served in Vietnam 1968-1969.

July 17, 1966, Roger was united in marriage to Gayle Tucker at Mound Valley Methodist Church and she survives.

Other survivors are his son Kevin Wallingford of Santa Clara, CA; and daughter Teresa Wallingford of Independence. One sister, Dana Hornback and her husband Dick of Parsons, KS. Three grandchildren whom he enjoyed, Valerie Stocksdale of Oxford, GA; Sarah and Andrew Wallingford of Santa Clara, CA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin baby daughters.

Roger was a member of Grace Memorial Methodist church for many years and enjoyed singing in the choir. He has been an active member at the First Church of the Nazarene in Independence for the past 6 years and has been involved in Sunday School and Bible Study.

Along with other Vietnam Veterans, Roger was very instrumental in forming the Heartland Vietnam Veterans group in Independence. He served as treasurer and helped organize a Washington, DC trip, the Moving Wall, and the Memorial in front of the plane at Riverside Park.

After retirement, Roger enjoyed fishing, traveling, the Heartland Vietnam group trips, and Corvette friends and cruises. He was a good friend and lived a great life! It will be impossible not to miss Roger's character, wit, charm, humor, his way with words, sayings, and wonderful attitude.

Visitation will be at Potts Funeral Chapel, 122 S. Penn, Independence, KS on Sunday, October 11, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Celebration of Life will be on Monday, October 12, at 1:00 pm at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3167 S. 10th Street, Independence. Burial will follow at the Mound Valley, KS Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, Independence, KS or to Kiddee Land at Riverside Park. Please wear a mask to protect yourself and others. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit www.pottsfuneralhome.com.