Roger Lee North

Roger Lee North, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2016 at Pacific Care Center in Pacific, Missouri surrounded by his children and loving staff of the center. Mr. North is survived by two children: Neland North and Sharon North and by three grandchildren, Dustin North, Anthony Wheelis and Alex Wheelis. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Mescal North, his parents, Leland and Ester North, his brother, Leland North Jr. and his sister Gwendolen (North) Duff. Roger grew up in Braymer Missouri. As a child, his naturally inquisitive nature lead him to work on, and take apart, anything that was broken. His attention to detail, logical mind and amazing memory gave him the ability to repair just about anything. This skill and current world events eventually led him to pursue a career in the United States Army. If you listen closely, you can still hear Roger tell the story of how they dropped the first atomic bomb on his 18th birthday. During his enlistment in the United States Army he became a radio repairman and worked on radio towers throughout Europe. He took great pride in serving his country and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. The discipline and patriotism he learned while serving never left him and guided him on his educational path and choice of future employers. Upon leaving the military Roger received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University. For the majority of his engineering career he worked for the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation (25+ years). Some of the engineering projects he was involved with included; F-4 Phantom; Gemini program; F-15 Eagle; F-15E Strike Eagle; and the F-18 Hornet. Following his retirement from McDonnell Douglas, Roger again went to work for the US Army, this time as a civilian, on the Advanced Tactical Helicopter. After Roger graduated from college he met the love of his life, Mescal North. She was the dance teacher for of his nieces. After meeting her at their annual dance recital – the rest, they say, is history. They were married six months later on November 22nd, 1955. They had 3 children, Roger Jr. (whom unfortunately died at birth), Neland and Sharon. Roger and Mescal were a great example of a dedicated loving couple who cherished each other and prioritized God and family. If you had to sum up Roger in just three words it would be dedicated, loving and kind. He was a great example to us all as a husband, father, warrior and friend. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, Oct 29, 2016 at 8324 Natural Bridge Rd. Saint Louis, MO 63121. Family and friends are welcome to a celebration of his life with refreshment downstairs immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Roger L. North to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.

Roger Lee North

August 6, 1927 - October 7, 2016