Irvin Wayne Roach, known affectionately as Wayne to his friends and family, was a beacon of resilience and hope to all who knew him. Born on December 17, 1976, in the small town of Canadian, Texas, Wayne's journey through life was a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Tragically, his life was cut short on January 9, 2024, when he was struck by a drunk driver in South West City, Missouri. He was 47 years old.

Wayne's story is not one of an easy path walked, but rather a mountain climbed with courage and determination. Despite a childhood spent in foster care and battles with addiction, Wayne emerged not as a victim of his circumstances, but as a victor over them. His life was a living example of the words of Robert H. Schuller: "Tough times never last, but tough people do." Wayne was indeed one of the tough ones, never allowing the difficulties of life to extinguish the light of his indomitable spirit.

He was a good person at his core, someone who never gave up, no matter the odds stacked against him. Wayne's legacy is one of hope and perseverance, inspiring all who knew him to believe in the possibility of transformation and redemption.

Wayne is survived by a loving family who cherished him deeply. His daughter, Katie Alley, her husband Josiah and their two sons of Durant, Oklahoma, and his son, Jadon Roach, will all remember him as a devoted father whose love knew no bounds. His father, Wayne Roach, and brothers—Mark Roach and his wife Sandy of Lawton; Virgle Roach and his wife Julia of El Reno; and Chuck Roach—will forever hold onto the memories of the brother who stood by them through thick and thin.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cynthia "Cyndi" Roach, who passed away on May 29, 2020, and his mother, Florida (Riggs) Roach. The love and strength he shared with Cyndi were the bedrock upon which he built the latter years of his life, and her memory served as a guiding light even after her passing.

Wayne's story is not just one of personal triumph, but also a call to action for all of us to never give up, to face our challenges head-on, and to always strive for a better tomorrow.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, January 13, at the Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lee Armstrong officiating. Cremation followed.

Honorary pallbearers were Virgle Roach, Mark Roach, Chuck Roach, Paul Riggs, Jeremy Riggs, and Tommy Riggs.