Memorial Service
Schertz Funeral Home-
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2217 FM 3009
Schertz, TX 78154
1934
Willard
2019
Willard Roseman
February 6, 1934 — August 12, 2019
Willard W. Roseman, a natural mechanic who loved motor vehicles, hunting deer in the Hill Country and traveling to outdoor locales, died on August 12 at his home in Castroville Texas. He was 85. Roseman was born Feb. 6, 1934 in Wildwood New Jersey. He grew up in Cape May, New Jersey, one of four children.
In March 8, 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an auto repairman, a trade that spilled over into his off duty hours.
Over a 20-year career he served at a variety of bases that included George Air Force Base, California, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming and Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
In 1955, his sister Lorraine introduced him to Shirley Thomas and after a short courtship they were married in Norfolk Virginia.
During the 1960s, he served two consecutive tours of duty in Vietnam, where he received numerous letters of appreciation for maintaining support vehicles during the war in Southeast Asia. Roseman recalled his years of military service with pride.
“Veterans Day is my day,” he said several years ago in a Kelly Observer newspaper article. “I’ve seen a lot, been through a lot, and I’m not asking anyone to thank me for anything. But I would tell the young ones to serve. They have an obligation to their country; they should do their share and do it proudly.” His family and friends called him Woody, but his granddaughters nicknamed him “Papa” and “The Woodster.” He had a shock of red hair, beard and handlebar mustache that he kept styled as if he was a wrangler from the Old West.
Roseman owned several vintage jeeps and was especially proud of his 1940s Willys Jeep that he kept in mint condition. He owned a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that he would ride on Saturdays in the Texas Hill Country alongside his longtime friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast Jerry Green. For many years he could be found at the breakfast bar of his home, poring over auto parts catalogs, researching parts to order for his vehicles. Roseman had a side hobby of smoking brisket and barbecuing wild game, like deer and javelina, over mesquite logs. It wasn’t unusual for his guests to ask for seconds of the meat that many said melted in their mouths. And he took pleasure in little things, like scratch-lottery tickets, playing Bingo, collecting coins and dining on shrimp, sweet potatoes and lobster. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force in 1972 and for awhile managed the mini-golf course at Lackland Air Force Base. In the 1980s, he worked at Southwest Research Center, where he maintained and researched locomotive engines. Roseman loved to travel, catching Space-A flights on C-135s from Kelly Air Force Base to Europe and East Asia. In 2004, he drove his friend Larry to a new homestead in Alaska, where Roseman recalled being in awe of the expansive spaces of Denali National Park. Friends remember him for his jovial nature and ability to fix any type of engine. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and great granddaughters at birthday parties and holiday gatherings. Roseman was a man who navigated life without fanfare, his family said, content with his contributions to society and service to his country. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter Diane Davis, granddaughters Michelle Scherney and Brittaney Parks and great-granddaughters Brooke Scherney, Kristin Scherney, Kennedi Davis-McArthur, Kensie Parks and Journey Parks.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00PM at the Schertz Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to your local VFW.
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