Donald Charles Roe was born on December 13, 1951 to Richard and Vivian Roe in Rockford, Illinois. He was followed by brother, Jim, and sister, Kathy. The family moved west and settled in La Mirada, California. They attended the Whittier First United Methodist Church, and in 4th grade, Don felt reading the Bible was the best assignment of all.
He studied at Cal State Fullerton and graduated with a BA in History in 1974. Don met Gaylen Griffenhagen during college, and they married in December 1974. They relocated to Denver while Don attended Iliff School of Theology.
In 1978, they returned to California and Don began his career in ministry for the United Methodist Church. In 1982, daughter Andrea was born, and in 1985, son Matt joined the family.
In 2006, Andrea married husband Jon West and Don became a grandfather to Rayan (2009), Evan (2012) and Olivia (2015). In 2014, Matt welcomed daughter Emma.
In 2015, Don remarried to April Johnen. Don retired from ministry in 2018. On December 3, 2024, Don passed away in Fullerton, California, at the age of 72.
If you knew Don, there is much more to his story. Don will be remembered for his caring heart, service to the church and his ability to comfort those around him in difficult times. His love of the Beatles, Dodgers, trains, coffee and funny sounds will forever be in our hearts.
Click here to view a stream of Don Roe's Memorial Service.
Click here for photos from Don Roe's Memorial Service.
As a Minister, Don Roe married two of main Fullerton Rail Travel Meetup Group Members, Chris & Elizabeth Guenzler. Click here for more photos related to the marriage ministered by Don Roe.
Don Roe took a number of Amtrak rail travel trips with Carl Morrison. Reports and photos from those trips can be found at: TrainWeb.org/carl.
