Rick Len Roach

Rick Len Roach, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded by family on January 4, 2025, at the BJC Healthcare – Siteman Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Rick was born September 18, 1948 in Herrin, Illinois. He was the son of Lenville and Rose (Swift) Roach. On April 14, 1973, Rick was united in marriage to Darlene Kelley. They shared 51 happy years together. In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by: daughters – Lora (Brannon) Batson of Brooklyn, New York and Lisa (Todd) Mathews of O’Fallon, Illinois; 4 grandchildren – Ollie Batson, Abby, Jack, and Ben Mathews; a sister-in-law – Viola Roach of Johnston City, Illinois; and a brother-in-law – Richard (Joyce) Kelley of Goreville, Illinois. Rick was preceded in death by: his parents; a sister – Theda Clarida and a brother – Gary Roach. Rick was a graduate of the Johnston City High School and John A. Logan Community College as well as having attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Rick served honorably in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany and served 15 months in Vietnam. He was a member of the Heyde-Pillow VFW Post # 1301 in Marion, Illinois. Rick was a graduate of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local # 702 apprenticeship program. His working career was as an inside wireman for the IBEW Local # 702, which included 21 years at Southern Illinois University student center in Carbondale. Rick received the highest award given by the IBEW, the “Life Saving Award.” Rick was a member of Saline Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M. in Goreville. He was also a member of the Goreville First Baptist Church. His endless curiosity led to many hobbies and pastimes, including woodworking, cooking and painting. Rick also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nature. He could name every tree, plant, bird or fish in the Southern Illinois region. Rick was happiest, however, when surrounded by his family. Mourning the death of this unassuming man who could do the extraordinary are his family, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. A service honoring the life of Rick Roach will be conducted Monday morning, January 13, 2025, at 10 AM at Goreville First Baptist Church, 608 W. Main St, Goreville, IL 62939. Pastor Stephen Seaford, Daren Roach and Todd Mathews will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Cana Cemetery, north of Goreville. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. at the Goreville First Baptist Church. There will be a further time of visitation from 9 A.M. until the service hour Monday morning, January 13, 2025, at the church. Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to the Goreville First Baptist Church. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church or may be mailed in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the First Baptist Church – Goreville Facebook page.

Rick Len Roach

September 18, 1948 - January 4, 2025