Roger E. Tunks, age 84, passed away May 24, 2016 in Lakeland, Florida. He was born October 12, 1931 in Braymer, MO, the son of Magdalene and Orville Tunks.

Roger was united in marriage to Iva Jean Anderson on January 17, 1959 in Denver, Colorado. They moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1960 and over the next 28 years he and Jean raised two sons and spent most of his time in the grocery business. He served his church and was a member of the Gideon's for 23 years.

Roger moved his family to Springfield, Missouri in 1986 and continued in the grocery industry for the next 9 years. In 1995 he began a career as a fundraiser for Christian Associates in Kimberling City, MO, serving Stone and Taney county residents who were in crises, needing assistance. Roger and Jean were members of Schweitzer United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri from 1986 to 2008 serving in the choirs, Bible Study and many committees over the next 22 years. In 2003 Roger joined the staff at Schweitzer Church as Business Administrator and served there until 2008, then he and Jean moved to the state of Florida to be near their sons.

Roger was an army volunteer, serving overseas during the Korean War. He believed in God, family and country and honored the American Flag.

His parents, and brother-in-law, Donald Walker, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Jean of the home; two sons, Roger Tunks II and wife Jan and Barry L. Tunks; grandchildren, Shane and wife Natalie and Lauren; two great-grandchildren, Phoenix and Charlotte; sister, Ruth Walker; and several nieces and nephews.

Roger enjoyed Bible study, golfing, hunting and traveling.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 2, 2016 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Schweitzer United Methodist Church with memorial services beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the church under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fine Arts Department at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801.