Roger E. Dunlap

Roger Eugene Dunlap of Mountain Grove, Missouri, passed away January 25, 2023, at the age of 69 after battling pancreatic cancer. Roger was born December 9, 1953, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to A.E. (Bud) and Wanda Dunlap. He graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1971 and attended Missouri Southern State before he began his career with Frisco/Burlington Northern Railroad as a heavy equipment operator on the maintenance of way.

In 1973 he married Kathleen “Kathy” Kruse and they shared 49 years together. Daughter, Cody Lynn, arrived in 1982.

Roger loved to fish, hunt and was an outstanding athlete. He liked collecting antiques. Roger and Kathy took many road trips to search for treasures to add to their collections. He was also a big NASCAR fan - Jimmie Johnson driver of the #48 Chevrolet was his favorite. Roger and Kathy attended races at almost every track in the lower 48 making new friends and sharing their love for the sport with old ones. Daughter Cody became a big fan too. Racing became a family tradition and one that his daughter and wife will continue.

After retiring he found pleasure in taking care of his 60-acre farm and going for drives around the Ozarks and back roads.

Roger had a personal relationship with God and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at church camp when he was young. He reaffirmed his faith later in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, (aka: Kruse, Smiley, Kathy), Daughter, Cody, two sisters, Connie Hicks and Diana (Steve) Strunk, niece, Stephanie (Marty) Davajon, and nephews, Greg (Rana) Supancic, Rick (Lisa) Suspancic, Michael (Sandra) Supancic, Jamie (Melissa) Todd, and James Matthew Strunk, uncles and aunts, JR Dunlap, Mary (Frank) Woods, and Shirley (Clarence) Washburn, and many cousins.

Roger acquired many friends over his lifetime who became like family. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his caring nature, trust and sense of fairness, but don’t forget his quick wit and, of course, always being ready to share a beer.