Roger Alan Wadleigh

Roger Alan Wadleigh passed from this life on Sat., Aug. 8, 2015, at the age of 86, in the company of family and friends at his home in Cheraw. He was born in the same house on June 8, 1929, to Joseph Everett Wadleigh and Irene (Irwin) Wadleigh.


Roger attended Cheraw schools, graduating in 1947. He graduated from Colorado A & M with a degree in Agronomy.


On April 11, 1953, Roger married his childhood sweetheart Montine Marie Pruitt in Cheraw. To that union was born one son, Alan Michael (Mike).

Roger grew up working alongside his father who was an apiculturist (beekeeper). He was a member of Colorado Beekeepers Association and served as Secretary-Treasurer for a number of years. He continued in the family honey business until his retirement. The family also raised Hereford cattle and farmed west of Cheraw.

Roger and Montine were very active in the Cheraw Community and received the Cheraw Community Service Award in 1980.


Roger was a member of the Cheraw Lions Club where he served as Secretary-Treasurer and helped with pancake suppers, picnics, and other projects for many years. He also served on the Cheraw School Board, and on the Beehive Water Company board.

In 1982, he became the official weather observer for Cheraw for the National Weather Service (NOAA), faithfully reporting temperatures and precipitation each day, and serving in that capacity until his passing.


Roger was a member of the Cheraw United Methodist Church.


Roger had many varied interests including trains, metal working, maps, wood working, machinery, traveling, photography, and reading. Roger and Montine traveled to most of the states. He enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked, and to salvage items he could use for another purpose. After retiring from the bee business, he could often be found puttering around in his warehouse workshop. Ever a learner, Roger built a cannon and completed a course in basic machine shop at the age of 81 at Trinidad State Junior College.


Roger didn't complain, didn't speak bad about others, and was always ready to help.


Roger is survived by his son Mike (Teresa) Wadleigh of Cheraw; granddaughter Heather Wadleigh of La Junta; sister Vere Louise Lane of Arvada; uncle Paul (Zola) Irwin of Beloit, Kansas; brother-in-law Harold Wayne Pruitt of River Falls, Wisconsin; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; his adopted brother Gene Broce and family; and many friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Montine, sister and brother-in-law Esther (Lee) Ross, brother and sister-in-law John (Lyndall) Wadleigh, brother-in-law Emmett Lane, and sister-in-law Dorothy Pruitt.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.



A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cheraw United Methodist Church.