Roger Lee Welles

Roger Lee Welles, 74, of Hosford, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Roger was born on February 19, 1952, in Clearwater, Florida, to Archie Welles and Beatrice Taunton Welles of Hosford, FL, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Welles. He is survived by his devoted wife, Gretchen Osteen Welles; his son, Noah Welles, and wife Monica of Bristol, Florida; and his daughter, Sarah Welles Hamilton and Wesley Hill of Panama City, Florida. Roger was a proud and loving grandfather to Aidan Hamilton and Icey Sheffield, Corbin Hamilton and Caitlyn Fulton, Gabriel Welles, Callie Welles, Kaisley Hamilton, and Weston Hill. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Brinley May Hamilton and soon-to-arrive Briarlyn Hamilton. Roger is further survived by his brother, Archie Eugene Welles, and wife, Carol of Cheshire, Connecticut, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will deeply miss him. Roger proudly served a two-year mission in New Zealand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an experience that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. During his distinguished military career in intelligence and counterintelligence, he completed two tours in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and Stuttgart, Germany. Roger dedicated many years to protecting and serving his nation with honor, integrity, and quiet strength. Outside of his military service, Roger was known for his deep love of animals, especially his dogs, horses, and birds, and the joy he found in caring for them. Above all, he treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, faithfully attending their sporting events and activities. Whether on the sidelines or in the stands, Roger was always there with words of encouragement, unwavering support, and immense pride in each of their accomplishments. Roger will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, compassion, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. His legacy of service, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 12605 NW Myers Ann St, Bristol, FL 32321. The funeral service will at 11:00 AM at the church and the burial will follow at Sanders Cemetery in Hosford, FL. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com).

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Roger Lee Welles

February 19, 1952 - May 20, 2026