Colonel (Ret.) Roger D. Rothwell Sr., age 89, of Melrose, FL, passed away peacefully with his family onThursday, January 19, 2023.Col. Rothwell was born on July 29, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to late Katherine M. McPherson and HarryD. Bundy. He was adopted by his late stepfather Edward E. Rothwell and was raised by his maternalgrandmother, Kay "Nonnie" Kelchner. Roger married former Meta Elise "Melise" Ross, of Jacksonville,FL.Col. Rothwell is survived by his two sons, Roger Rothwell, Jr. (Diana Rothwell) and Randolph Rothwell(Vickie Rothwell); grandchildren Julie Ansley (Travis Ansley), Rachel Bright (Bo Bright), ChristopherHenderson (Jessica Henderson), and Michael Rothwell; great grandchildren Levi Ansley, Amos Ansley,Carter Bright, Denver Bright, Jack Ansley, Addie Mae Henderson, and Memphis Mae Bright.He graduated from Rolla High School in Rolla, Missouri, in 1951. Following this graduation, he enlistedin the Navy and was a seaman before being accepted into the United States Naval Academy. Hereceived his bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland,in 1957. In August 1969, he attended graduate school and received his masters degree in SystemsAnalysis from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.Upon graduation from the Annapolis Naval Academy, he transferred to the United States Air Forcewhere he ascended the ranks to Command Pilot and full Colonel. His first military assignment was inJune 1957 when he attended primary and basic pilot training in Marianna, FL, and Laredo AFB, TX. Hiscareer spanned almost 30 years, which allowed him to travel all over the United States and overseas. In1968, he volunteered to serve in Vietnam where he remained for a year before coming home. Col.Rothwell had a decorated career, earning several medals, including the prestigious Legion of Merit.A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Immanuel Anglican Church inKeystone Heights, FL. Doors will open at 1 PM for visitation and the ceremony will commence at 2 PM.The tribute will be followed by an evening of fellowship, for all who are interested, at Col. Rothwellsresidence located at 8010 Breezy Point Rd W, Melrose, FL 32666. In lieu of flowers, the family requestsconsideration of a donation to Folds of Honor or Tunnel to Towers. Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights Florida 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Visitation Saturday, February 4, 2023 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Immanuel Anglican Church 915 Orchid Avenue Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Memorial Service Saturday, February 4, 2023 2:00 PM - Immanuel Anglican Church 915 Orchid Avenue Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176