Roger Eugene Gray, 86, of Akron, Colorado passed away on December 10, 2023.

Roger, and his twin brother Ronald, were born on March 1, 1937 in Brush, Colorado to Merle Richard (Dick) Gray and Jessie Vera (Cline) Gray.  Roger attended school in Akron.  From a very young age, Roger had a strong work ethic and he began working during high school in order to help provide for his family. At age 12 he had a job changing the marquee at the Variety Theater before becoming an usher.  He also worked as a janitor at Akron High School, a carry-out at the local grocery store, and an attendant at Skelly Gas Station.  After high school, Roger worked for Deines Jukebox Company before taking a job at Eastern Colorado Lumber Company, where he became a master cement layer; many of the sidewalks in downtown Akron were poured and finished by Roger.

In the mid-1960s he started Roger Gray Excavating.  He specialized in digging basements and waterlines, and he also set oil well anchors for Allison Oil Drilling Co.

In 1972 Roger went to work for Y-W Electric Co as an underground line foreman. He also installed satellite systems for the company, and he finished his 38-year career as warehouse foreman.  Roger retired in 2010.

High school sweethearts Roger and Constance Ann (Connie) Alt married on July 28, 1957.  They had two daughters, Karen Dawn and Deirdre Ann.  Roger raised his family in Akron, in a house that he built onto extensively.  He did many of the improvements himself.  He also enjoyed refinishing antique furniture.

Roger was very active in his community.  He was a volunteer fireman for 20 years, and served on the Washington County Ambulance Service, where he became the second registered EMT in Washington County.  He was an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church and a member of the local Jaycees Association.  Both his daughters were active in 4-H, and he and Connie served as 4-H Beef Superintendents for 30 years.  He enjoyed the role and was a mentor to many youth.

Roger also enjoyed raising horses, team roping, and team penning. He wasn't a rodeo competitor, but  once rode a buffalo at the County Fair.  He stayed on for a successful ride, but strongly discouraged others from trying the experience.

He had a great collection of arrowheads, and sometimes took trips with his cousins to gather them.

Roger was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He supported his family in all their endeavors, and was proud to be the great-grandfather of six.  He regularly commented that they were some good looking kids.

Roger was preceded in death by his mother Jessie Vera; father Merle Richard; stepmother Vesta Gray; twin brother Ronald Gray; brother Darrell Gray; sister Donna Merle Gray; stepbrother Jimmy Burke; stepbrother Harold Burke; stepbrother Gene Burke; stepsister Velma Drum; and other extended family members.

Roger is survived by his wife Connie; daughter Dawn Valko (Mark) of Wray, CO; daughter Dee Gonzales (Mark) of Pueblo, CO; grandchildren Coleman Griffith (Corinne) of Lander, WY; Kevin Valko (Michelle) of Box Elder, SD; Caitlin Honner (Matt) of Pueblo, CO; Jaden Valko (Shauna) of Julesburg, CO; Alyssa Kuhn (Travis) of Wray, CO; and six great-grandchildren: Alice and Maddox Valko; Jayla, Creighton, and Kya Kuhn; and Beretta Honner.  Roger is also survived by his sisters Rita Elmore of Centennial, CO; Reva Runyan of Casa Grande, AZ; brother Richard Gray (Jackie) of Peyton, CO; and many extended nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on December 15, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church, Akron, Colorado.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Akron or Akron Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements will be handled by Bowin Funeral Home.