Roger Leroy Bouse

Roger Leroy Bouse, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members on May 13, 2017.

He was born in Okeene, Oklahoma, on June 30, 1931, to Roger and Opal (Barron) Bouse. At the age of 13, his family moved to Oregon City, Oregon, and he graduated from Oregon City High School in 1949.

In 1951, Roger joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and was stationed in Adak, Alaska, and on the aircraft carrier USS Point Cruz.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Roger returned to the Crown Zellerbach West Linn Paper Mill. He married Muriel “Joy” Smith in 1955 in Aloha, Oregon. When the Wauna Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill was built, Roger was one of the first employees, settling in Knappa, Oregon, in 1965. He retired from the Wauna Mill in 1993, after over 42 years of service.

Roger served for 12 years on the board of directors of the Wauna Federal Credit Union, serving as vice president during part of his tenure. He was active in the Central Labor Council for many years, serving as secretary/treasurer. He was a member of the American Legion, and belonged to the First Lutheran Church of Astoria.

For many years, Roger was a beekeeper — often referred to as the “honeyman” — and his honey could be found in many of our local stores.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel Joy, in 2007; and a sister, Iva Mae Parelius, who passed away in 2007. Roger is survived by four children, Michael I. Bouse (Nancy Davis), Linda McElroy (Dan Gallagher), Cynthia Stephens (Daniel) and Jacqueline Kerr (William III); two sisters, Cecile Pearson of Oregon City and Mary Edgley (Richard) of Gresham; eight grandchildren, Michael R. Bouse, Diana Anderson (Isaac), William Kerr IV (Brooklyn), Jason Stephens, Jennifer Stephens, Aaron Stephens, Kara McElroy and Eli McElroy; eight great-grandchildren; longtime special companion, Lila Booth; and numerous other extended family members.

Memorial donations can be sent to Lower Columbia Hospice, First Lutheran Church of Astoria, or a charity of your choice.

Interment with military honors will take place on Saturday, May 20, at the Knappa Prairie Cemetery, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 33rd Street and Grand Avenue in Astoria, with a reception to follow.