Obituary of Marion Roche

Roche, Marion C. 98 Ocala-- Marion C. Roche of Ocala, FL passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Mr. Roche was born in Walton County, Florida April 3, 1912. He has resided in Ocala since 1936. After graduating from the University of Florida with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture Education, he came to Ocala and started the first agriculture program at Ocala High School in 1936. He was the agriculture teacher at Ocala High School from 1936-1963. In 1963, he became the Director of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education for the Marion County School Board and served with distinction from 1963-1988. He worked 52 years in education in Marion County and retired at age 75 in 1988. Mr. Roche served as Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy 1942-1945. He also has been a successful businessman as a citrus and pine tree farmer since 1963. Mr. Roche was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ocala for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Virginia (Pat) Roche, daughters Linda R. Harmon, Jean R.Conley, and granddaughter Elizabeth Crace. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Roche Pederson (Wally), Ocala and Judy R. Crace (Sam), Cookeville, TN. Five grandchildren- Scott Conley (Cara), Bowling Green, KY, Josh Crace (Beth), Cookeville, TN, Ben Crace (Amy), Cookeville, TN, Cason Whitaker (Joey), Ocala, Rebekah Lorton (Cody), Knoxville, TN, and 12 great-grandchildren. Also recently bereaved son-in-law, Paul Conley. Mr. Roche was noted for his dedicated efforts in promoting agriculture education and his passion for vocational, technical, and adult education. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, 2801 SE Marricamp Rd, Ocala on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Memorable donations may be made to the Florida FFA Foundation, Inc. 5000 Firetower Road, Haines City, FL 33844.