Roger Shinabarger lived a rewarding life and left a legacy of faith, love, and strong work ethic. He was born on December 4, 1931, in Leslie Township, Minnesota, to Wilbur and Phyllis Shinabarger.  Roger joined his Savior and Lord Monday December 7, three days after his birthday. 

Roger spent his early years in MN, moving to Seattle, WA during WWII and later returned to Staples, MN.  It was in Staples that Roger met and married his high school sweetheart, Dona.  Blessed with almost 68 years of marriage, and five exceptional children, they lived, laughed, loved, and cried with each other.  They endeavored to raise their children to know and follow the Lord.  There are many memories of hunting, fishing, traveling, and snowmobiling. 

Roger’s work ranged from delivering burial vaults to transporting nuclear fuel rods, with a short stint owning Modern Cleaners in Alexandria, MN.  Always a trucker, he dreamed of someday owning his own 18 wheeler, which he accomplished.  Cenex Transportation and Boise Cascade were his major employers, retiring at last in 2007 from BDI in Pasco, WA. 

Active in the Alliance Church, he served as Deacon, and participated in the Hmong Refugee Program.  During that time, he participated in two Back to the Bible Mission Projects, building a Radio Station in Modena, Italy.  In later years, he faithfully attended First Baptist Church, and was part of the Prime Timer Social Group acting as their designated van driver and co-leader.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; precious granddaughter, Julie; beloved son Jack; and dear daughter-in-law Becky.  He is survived by his sister, Aleen Dirschel (Rich) of IA; brother, Chuck Shinabarger (Ann) of MT; wife, Dona and their children:  son, Ted Shinabarger of Alexandria, MN; daughter in law, Ronda Shinabarger of White Sulphur Springs, MT; daughter, Cindy Newhouse (Steve) of Walla Walla, WA; daughter, Linda Basney (Richard) of Hurricane, UT; and son, David Shinabarger (Rachel) of Richland, WA. His life was also blessed by 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.

Celebration of life will be December 14, 2015 beginning 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 1107 Wright Ave, Richland, WA with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr.’s Zuroske and Ambrod, therapist Chad and nurse Janice from Home Health.  Also, a special thanks to Wayne Moss, faithful friend, compassionate caregiver and Roger’s right hand man.