Roger Wayne Lunt

Roger Wayne Lunt, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Tallahassee, Florida, on the morning of June 2, 2024, after battling leukemia for the last year of his life. Born on August 12, 1942, in Virden, New Mexico, Roger spent his early childhood on a dairy farm in Duncan, Arizona. In the third grade, his family moved to a smaller dairy farm in Durango, Colorado, where he was raised alongside his three younger brothers and one younger sister. Roger was a bright and ambitious student, graduating from high school at the age of 16. He attended Fort Lewis Junior College for two years before transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry with a minor in Agronomy in 1963, followed by an MBA in 1965. Upon graduation, Roger received a direct commission into the Army Chemical Corps, serving two years at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, where he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. During this time, he taught college courses in Jacksonville, Alabama. Later, he was accepted into the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Florida State University, which brought him to Tallahassee, Florida, where he lived for the rest of his life. Roger married Karen Ruark and devoted himself to raising their four children: Andy, Alex, Amanda, and Amelia. He was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren. Roger loved to travel. He took his family on many road trips out west while his children were still at home and organized annual family reunion trips once they were grown. Roger cherished his year spent with Karen in China, teaching English through the BYU China Teachers Program, and enjoyed many adventures throughout Asia. Additionally, he enjoyed numerous travels with his brother, Brent. Roger’s professional life was marked by his dedication to education and community. He worked for the State of Florida until his retirement in 2003. Roger was a gifted teacher, finding great joy in teaching economics and business courses at Tallahassee Community College, Bainbridge College, and Madison Community College. Alongside his teaching career, he practiced real estate and started his own brokerage. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roger spent many years teaching Sunday school and early morning seminary and served as a counselor to various bishops. Growing up, he found great joy in fishing on the farm, catching suckers and the occasional trout. This love for fishing continued in Florida, where he enjoyed deep-sea fishing trips with family, co-workers, and friends. Roger always loved reading and continued this passion into adulthood. He delighted in telling stories, cracking dad jokes, and sharing his vast knowledge with those around him. Above all, Roger cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He considered rearing his children and watching them progress and succeed to be the highlight of his life. Roger Wayne Lunt will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of humility, integrity, service, humor, and love will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne J. Lunt and Jessie Opal Foote; his brothers Ivan and Barry Lunt; his sister Danelle Lunt; and his granddaughter Kate Conway. He is survived by his brother Brent (Barbara) Lunt; his wife, Karen Ruark Lunt; his sons, Andy (Dana) Lunt and Alex (Brittany) Lunt; his daughters, Amanda (Ryker) Conway and Amelia (Trent) Savage; and his grandchildren, Warner, Rylee, Kalil, Stephen, Rex, TJ, Mason, Ayla, Lola, Pace, Cora, Roark, Liam, and Cali. A funeral service will be held on June 10 at 11 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 5455 Buck Lake Rd., Tallahassee, FL, with a viewing at 10 AM. Graveside interment with military honors will follow the funeral services at 1:45 PM at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, located at 5015 Apalachee Pkwy. We invite you to join us as we celebrate his life and legacy. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Roger Wayne Lunt

June 2, 2024