Roger Vernon Frances Oswalt passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, friend, cowboy, dancer, painter and fisherman.
Roger was born in Missouri on October 17, 1940, one of 12 Oswalt children who lived near the World’s Fair Mine, Patagonia. A picture of the twelve Oswalt children sitting on a fence near their home, circa 1950s, is located in the Sonoita, AZ museum. He cherished Patagonia, where he spent much of his childhood. Roger’s father, Harry Oswalt, was a natural salesman who worked in the mines, sold mining equipment, and anything else he could. This trait was passed down through the Oswalt family, along with a powerful sense of love of family and community. As one of the grandchildren, you knew you were in for a treat and a big hug when Grandpa Harry arrived in his new Cadillac.
Roger’s primary profession was a professional painter, and he strived to be the best. He painted both residential and commercial properties throughout Arizona and Colorado and proudly pointed out his work whenever he could. Recently, a blog was shared on Linkedin by Roger’s oldest son, Daven Oswalt, about his father’s tremendous work ethic: “Working with my dad from an early age taught me the value of hard work and the importance of client relationships. My dad consistently paid attention to detail along with doing everything to ensure his customers were completely satisfied and happy. That lesson has stayed with me.”
Roger was previously married to Deborah Dawn Olsen at the age of 18, and they had two sons, Roger Daven Oswalt and Chans Vernon Oswalt. Together, they led an adventurous life, of camping, traveling and exploring the West. Roger taught his sons the values of hard work and dedication. He loved fishing and hunting with his sons and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He also had a deep affection for his horse, 7-11, and his many pets over the years.
Roger married Ruth Frances Madison, who became his partner and best friend for life. They met as children in Abilene, Kansas, at a local playground when she was six years old. Many years later, they reconnected on a dance floor in South Carolina, and their dance never ended. It began with two slow dances, followed by the jitterbug, and love became their life. They married in 1990. Roger loved Ruth with all his heart, and she was with him every step of the way.
Roger loved and cherished his family, including his brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Oswalt; his brothers, Gary Juan Oswalt and Robert Jules Oswalt; his sons, Roger Daven Oswalt and Chans Vernon Oswalt; his four grandchildren, Preston, Cody, Taylor and Naya Oswalt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family members who have passed include his father, Harry Oswalt; his mother, Alma Mae Oswalt; and his siblings JoAnn Peabody, Dona Lomelino, Ross Oswalt, Sonny William Oswalt, Brenda Oswalt, Eddie Joe Oswalt, Sharon Gilliam, Harry Gene Oswalt, Johnny Wayne Lanning and Brenda Oswalt.
A service will be held this Sunday, March 2, at 11am at the Patagonia Cemetery. Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome. In honor of Roger’s love for the Patagonia community, donations to Borderlands Restoration Network would be appreciated.