Roger William Pokorny
December 8, 1957—May 10, 2021
Roger William Pokorny was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to William and Pauline Pokorny on December 8, 1957. Roger spent most of his formative years in Mountain Grove, Missouri. After graduating from high school, he attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. Roger served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy and served six years on a submarine. After returning home from the military, he earned a technical degree from what was then Linn Technical College in Linn, Missouri. That degree earned him the position with Qwest Phone Company, now known as Lumen Technologies, in Des Moines, Iowa. After securing the job at Qwest, Roger moved to the Des Moines area where he spent the remainder of his days.
Roger was married to Melinda (Dean), deceased. The couple had no children but had several nieces and nephews who were incredibly special to them.
Roger was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel as well as being ordained into the Deacon ministry.
Roger served as a deacon at the Crestwood Baptist Church under the ministry of Pastor Eugene Guthrie and his wife, Sandy. Pastor Eugene did a fantastic job ministering to Roger. He was a friend, a pastor, and a role model for Roger. We greatly appreciate all he and the church has done. We are also appreciative of Barb Dally and Naomi Altemeier for their many years of friendship and help they gave Roger.
Roger is survived by his sister, Jan (Roy) Williford of Jefferson, Missouri; A brother, Jim (Rosanne) Pokorny of Houston, Missouri. As well as a host of friends.
Roger was preceded in death by his wife (Melinda), his parents (William & Pauline) and a sister, Sandra Pauly. He has completed his race here on earth and now has received his reward of eternal life purchased for him by Jesus Christ and gifted to him by the amazing grace of our Heavenly Father. Roger received this gift of salvation at an early age, and it was his most treasured possession. Serving God, by being kind and generous to others, was his consistent witness.
Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Crestwood Baptist Church 3717 Forrest Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50311. Inurnment will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery 34023 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, Iowa 50003 at 12:30 after the service.
