Donald K. Roach Jr., 78

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Donald K. Roach Jr., 78, of Morris, formerly of Litchfield, died on  Sunday morning, May 8, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and close friends. U. C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home in Morris is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Roach was born on May 14, 1943, in Litchfield, to Donald K. and Verna B. Roach. He was raised in Litchfield graduating from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1961. While in high school, he was an accomplished athlete being a four-year letterman in baseball, three-year letterman in basketball and a quarterback for the Litchfield Panthers. Mr. Roach went on to graduate from Western Illinois University in January 1966 with his degree in teaching. In February of the same year, he married the love his life, Cheryl Wojick in Danville.

Mr. Roach’s first teaching job was in Danville for a semester before accepting a teaching/coaching position at the Litchfield School District. In 1970 he accepted a teaching/coaching position in the Wilmington School District, where he and his family would reside for over 30 years. While with Wilmington his girls varsity basketball team were regional champs with 20 wins for the season. “Coach Roach” always strived for athletes to enjoy themselves and every player was given the opportunity to play and learn the fundamentals of their sport.

Mr. Roach retired in 1993 after 23 years of teaching and coaching at Wilmington School District. Retirement didn’t last long when he joined the team at Wilmington ACE Hardware. In 1995 he became the manager at the Whitmore ACE Hardware store in Braidwood, officially retiring in 2003. After retirement the couple spent close to seven years enjoying the warmth of Florida.

Mr. Roach is survived by his wife; daughter, Pamela (Jerry) Miedl; sons, Justin (Michelle) and Travis (Vicki) Roach; grandchildren, Chaise (Yenny) Miedl, Chayne Miedl, Erika Arambula, Heather (Rob) Caise, Kyle Roach, Mason Roach, Nicole Roach and Brandi Rector; great-grandchildren Haileigh and Aubreigh Caise, and Emilia and AceMiedl;sisters, Karen Bandy and GailRoach; and nieces and nephews, Jessica Redfern, Joe (Theresa) Verstraeter, Jay (Laura) Verstraeter, Tyler (Shannon) Verstraeter, Cady (Joe) Verdeyen and Kohle Verstraeter.

He is preceded by his parents and brother-in-law Michael Bandy.

Memorials may be made to Lightways Hospice of Joliet or St.Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be left online at www.ucdaviscallahan.com.