Roth, Wallace Edward

Roth, Wallace Edward

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Beloved husband of 62 years of Mary Roth; loving father of Tina (Ron) Gegg, Ann (Dan) Okenfuss, Mike (Trish Basler) Roth and Joan (Paul) Jett; dear grandfather of Kyle (Tori), Kirsten, Clay Gegg; Dylan and Brielle Okenfuss; Hannah (Jamieson) Crane; Mackenzie, Allison, Cassidy, Haley Roth; Brennan, Carson, Dorian, Addison Jett; dearest great grandfather of Troy, Raelyn and Kahlia.

For family and friends of Wally, he was affectionately known as Gump. Gump had a heart of gold and his passion always centered around his family and especially his 14 grandchildren. During his youth years in Ste. Genevieve, he excelled in many sports including baseball, basketball, and football. Upon graduation in 1951 from Valle Catholic High School in Ste. Genevieve, he joined the US Navy and was later transferred to the US Marines, serving four years. Upon returning home, Gump began coaching at Valle schools. His love for coaching continued throughout his children and grandchildren’s sporting years. His last coaching experience was at the age of 70 with his grandson’s basketball team in St. Louis. Gump loved sports all of his life.

He was also very civic minded, as he was an Alderman in Ste. Genevieve for over 20 years and a board member of Valle Schools. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Ste. Genevieve Yanks Baseball Club. He was employed by Citizens Electric company for over 32 years and retired in 1996. He had a strong Catholic faith and God was always the center of his life. Gump had many outside interests including real estate, farming, and high school officiating. He was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He was dedicated to his family and always cared for his elderly mother. His first project after retirement was raising funds to build a new community park in Valle Springs, also known as “Wally World”. Gump was always generous with his time and commitment to his family, friends, parish, and community.

Retirement years were spent living in South St. Louis County near his children and grandchildren. His retirement hobbies included playing poker, spending many hours selling poppies for the VFW, babysitting many grandchildren, and visiting the YMCA and the VA. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and dear sister, Mary Ann Phillips and her husband, Albert. He loved cruise excursions and bus trips with many old and new friends. Gump certainly enjoyed his very active life with the love of his life, Mary.

Gump’s last three years were spent at Avalon Memory Care after experiencing challenges associated with Lewy Body Dementia. His loving wife provided support, comfort, and love on a daily basis.

The family requests donations in Mr. Roth’s name to: Valle Athletic Club, 40 N. 4th St., Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670

Visitation Details:
May 15, 2022
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Kutis Funeral Home
5255 Lemay Ferry Rd
St. Louis MO 63129

Funeral Mass:
May 16, 2022
11:00 am
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church
4900 Ringer Rd
St. Louis MO 63129

Procession to Jefferson Barracks Memorial Cemetery will follow Mass.