Roger John Youtz

Roger J. Youtz died peacefully with his family by his side on February 24, 2017 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT.

Roger John Youtz was born in San Diego, California on December 10, 1923. His parents were H. Fletcher and Lizzie (Gleave) Youtz. The family moved to Burns, Wyoming in July 1928 onto a one section farm. Roger graduated from Burns High School in 1941.

He joined the Marine Corps and served from November 1942 until February 1946. He was a gunner on an SBD Dauntless and an SB2C Curtis Helldiver during training. He went overseas as a Radio-Gunner on a TBF Avenger. He saw action in the Palau Islands and the Okinawa area. He was honorably discharged February 5, 1946.

On December 28, 1947 he married Darlene Sellers in the Mountain View Presbyterian Church. To this union was born Kaye, Susan and Diana. They were married for 62 wonderful and fun filled years.

He attended the University of Wyoming and received his B.S. in 1948 and Masters of Education in 1953. He taught history and coached for 16 years prior to becoming the principal at Worland Jr. High School for 20 years. As a coach, his team in Veteran, Wyoming won 2 state basketball championships and 2 state cross country championships.

He was a member of the Presbyterian church where he served as a Deacon, he was a member of the BPOE and the American Legion. He held the following professional positions: President of Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, President of Goshen County Activities Association, President of Washakie County Education Association, President of Big Horn Basin Coaches Association, and a member of National Association of Secondary School Principals for Junior High and Middle Schools.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Darlene, and his brothers Donald, Kenneth, Hewitt and Willard.

He is survived by his daughters Kaye (Roger) Turner of Pocatello, Idaho, Susan (Stefanie Bakken) Youtz of Denver, Colorado, Diana (Gary) Shipley of Pocatello, Idaho, grandsons Travis (Meredith) Shipley, Max Shipley, and two great-grandchildren Ezra John Shipley and Louisa May Shipley. He is also survived by his sister Harriet (Bink) Lewis and many favorite nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Worland Middle School Auditorium with Reverend Guy Helms officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.