Roger Gale Duren

Roger Gale Duren, age 75, of Sherwood, passed away May 18 2026. He was born in Batesville, Arkansas on January 13, 1951 to Paul Duren and Nobia Miller Duren.

Roger grew up in Zion, Arkansas surrounded by a large family and many great friends. As the youngest child, with three older sisters, he was known for being mischievous. It was not uncommon for him to be gone from morning to night, fishing and playing outside. As a teen Roger played point guard for the Melbourne Bearkats basketball team. He graduated from Melbourne High School in 1969. He attended college at ASU Beebe. He also developed a passion for music and learned to play the guitar. Freida and Roger’s first date was at the Melbourne Town Square Hootenanny, where he sang on the stage, much to Freida’s surprise. He would carry this love of music throughout his life playing for his wife, family and friends.

Roger worked for the State of Arkansas for 36 years. He retired as the Administrator of Motor Vehicle in 2016. He was a craftsman in his free time, building furniture and renovating the homes of family and friends over the years. He was always willing to help with any project anyone could dream up. He helped coach his children in sports and sat through more dance recitals than any person ever before. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, spending every weekend cooking countless burgers and hot dogs for anyone who wanted to come. Everyone knew they were welcome to come play wiffleball, swim and eat a good meal. He was extremely generous. He taught his family the value of good morals and ethics. He also taught them to love the Lord.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents Paul Duren and Nobia Miller Duren; sisters, Paula Williams and Minnie Ellen Duren.

He is survived by his wife, Freida; his children, Ramona Miller (Steve), Jessica Shaw (Mark), Marissa Duren, and Jacquelyn Bowman (Bo); his grandchildren, Nathan Duren (Mary), Cole Miller (Bailey), Devin Shaw (Brooke), Natalie Shaw, Houston Shaw (Natalie), Walt and Stevie Bowman; his great-grandchildren, Hank, Dru and Liv Duren, Rebekah, Mackenzie and Savannah Shaw, Dannie Miller and Kimber Shaw; his sister, Cliva Marlin; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM at That.Church in Sherwood with visitation one hour prior (10am). Roger’s final resting place will be at The Old Philadelphia Cemetery in Violet Hill, Arkansas at 3pm.

That Church

901 East Kiehl Avenue

Sherwood AR 72120

The Old Philadelphia Cemetery

Larkin Rd

Violet Hill, AR 72584