William Alan ‘Al’ Roach, 75, of Gothenburg, NE, formerly of North Platte, NE, died at his home on Tuesday, April 21, 2015.
Al was born June 2, 1939, to Floyd Arthur and Gladys Augusta Markee Roach at Maywood, NE. He spent his early years in Maywood and his later years in North Platte where he graduated from North Platte High School in 1957. He then joined the U.S. Navy in June and and served until 1961. Al married and had three children.
Following his discharge, Al remained in California where he worked at the Fullerton Music Store with his brother, Dale. Al returned to North Platte in the early ’60’s where he and his brother, Lauren, had Laural Electronics. Al later went to work for Murphy’s Modern Music for many years.
In 1972 Al married Dorys Jean Jenkins and they made North Platte their home before moving to El Paso, TX and Silver City, NM. They moved to Gothenburg in 2003 and were married for over 41 years until Dorys passed away in 2014.
Al was a member of the Church of Christ in Gothenburg and belonged to B.P.O. Elks #985, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and V.F.W. #1504. He enjoyed music and played with various bands. Al and Dorys also played together under the name “Al and Dory”. In later years he kept his interest in music and learned to golf.
He is survived by his daughters, Connie (Gail) Cronin, of Clearwater, NE, and Deb Miller, of Omaha, NE; stepdaughters, Roselyn Kay (Preston) Polk, of Hazlehurst, MS, Christie Banowetz, of Lone Tree, CO, Ramona Jean Jenkins, of Warner Robins, GA and Laurie (Mike) Viter, of Brady, NE; three stepsons, George LaVerne (Tammy) Jenkins, of North Platte, Ken Lamoine (Jackie) Jenkins, of Lincoln, NE and Gregory Lynn (Marcy) Jenkins, of Sidney, NE; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; his brother, Lauren Roach, of Silver City, NM; sisters, Marlene Sawyer and Elaine (Larry) Gosnell, of North Platte; sister-in-law, Audrey Roach, of Coosbay, OR; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
Along with his wife, Dorys, Al was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Gladys Roach; a son, Bill, Jr.; brothers, Floyd, Jr. and Dale Roach; sister-in-law, Jackie Roach; and his brother-in-law, Sonny Sawyer.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Sid Kite officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7th at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial for the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame Foundation.
District playoffs begin today across the state for Nebraska high school soccer. North Platte girls and boys both begin play at 6:00 pm this evening.
