Obituary

Roger Thames

July 22, 1949 - November 17, 2023

Roger Thames, age 74 and a longtime resident of the Canaan Community, passed away Friday morning November 17, 2023 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Tylertown, Mississippi on July 22, 1949. Roger was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam Era and later served his community in the Louisiana Army National Guard for several years. As a young man, he worked at the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station before a long career as a truck driver. Roger drove milk and feed trucks as well as dump trucks all throughout the area. During this time, he also served as a bus driver for the Franklinton schools for many years. Roger was a handy mechanic and auto repair man, operating Thames Body Shop at his home for many years. He worked as an auxiliary deputy with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office for a time and served as an officer with the Franklinton Police Department. Roger was a longtime member of Canaan Baptist Church who also attended Hillcrest Baptist Church for a time. He was always talented with his hands and had even built a nice log home to raise his family in. Roger loved cooking delicious Cajun food for his family and friends and he enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors.

Survived by: 2 Daughters and Sons in law: Rachel and Josh Walker of San Antonio, TX, Leslie and Matt Westmoreland of Franklinton; 3 Grandchildren: Emma Walker, June Westmoreland, James Westmoreland; 3 Sisters and a Brother in law: Judy and George Holmes of Franklinton, Virginia Ferguson of Amite, Theresa Cooper of Franklinton; Also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents Prentiss Ford Thames and Josephine Rials Thames, brothers Larry Thames, Dale Thames and other family members.

Visitation will be at Canaan Baptist Church (18486 Sanders Road, Franklinton) on Friday November 24th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A memorial service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Friday with Rev. Stan Adams and Rev. Sam Husser officiating. He will be laid to rest alongside his parents in the Oak Grove Pentecostal Church Cemetery near Jayess, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to the First Baptist Church of Franklinton Ramp Ministry, building ramps for the wheelchair bound or others in need. (950 Self Street, Franklinton, LA 70438)

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to Northshore EMS, Riverside Medical Center, the staffs of Heritage Manor Nursing Home and Community Care Hospice for all their care and support of Roger during this difficult time.