Roger Alan Kerbow, CPA

Roger Alan Kerbow, 82, a long-time CPA and financial services representative in Grand Prairie, Texas, passed away on Sunday morning, August 7, 2022 following a brief illness. Memorial Service: The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022, followed immediately by Funeral Services at 11 a.m. Committal Service with Military Honors:10:15 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2022. He will be buried beside his wife, Joan (Gardner) Kerbow,. Roger Kerbow was born on August 24, 1939, in Fort Worth, TX to the late Stanley A Kerbow and the late Dorothy (Hardegree) Kerbow. The only son of an oil field service supervisor in west Texas, Roger attended schools in Hobbs, Eunice, and Silver, NM and Bay City, Odessa, Colorado City, Snyder, and Coleman, TX. He moved through ten schools over twelve years, completing his public education at Coleman High School in 1957. He received his BBA from The University of Texas in 1961. Roger loved ballads and harmonies, his children enjoyed his record collection that included recordings by Mary Robbins, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, and The Kingston Trio. He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad, digging up the worm-bed every time they moved. While in Snyder, TX, Roger was a junior deacon in Order of Demolay, and played Little League and Pony baseball, developing amazing hand-eye coordination while throwing a ball at the side of his house to the point that he could catch anything tossed to him from any angle with either hand. Roger's work ethic was instilled at an early age. He'd say that picking cotton, delivering newspapers, balancing tires, and servicing oil wells convinced him that he needed an education. While in college, Roger married Joan, the love of his life, and welcomed their daughter, Rae Ann. He joined US Army ROTC because "I needed the $.90/day..." During active duty service he attended Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, VA, learning to cook and run a cafeteria. (At social gatherings, he could be seen critiquing the set-up of serving lines, often rearranging placement so that the gravy would be after the mashed potatoes instead of before the salad.) His unit was responsible for packing parachutes for the Bay of Pigs invasion, and he remained amazed at how quickly a base could be deserted when troops were deployed. At Camp Leroy Johnson, New Orleans, LA, he ran the Commissary in the French Quarter, rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. An avid game-player and haggler, he delighted in the telling of the wrath of wholesalers in the French Quarter when he made arrangements for purchases in civilian clothes, then returned in uniform with military trucks for pick up. While in New Orleans, their son, Roger Alan II, was born. Upon discharge, he moved his young family moved to Grand Prairie, TX, where he worked as an auditor and tax preparer. Shortly after the birth of a second daughter, Susan, he established his own practice, Kerbow & Associates, CPAs. He was a daily presence in his office until the week before his passing, having pursued is career as a Certified Public Accountant for more than fifty-nine years. He was a skilled investor and advisor to many. In addition to his professional life, he was a Lion in the Grand Prairie Lions Club for fifty-eight years, serving not only his local club, but District 2-X1 as well. He is the only person to serve as both District Secretary and Treasurer the same year. He was a longtime member of the Methodist Church, where he served as a Trustee and investment advisor. He joined Order of Demolay in 1953, rising to 32nd Degree Mason in Good Standing of Thomas B Hunter Lodge. He was a Life Member of the Ex-Students Association of The University of Texas. He served on the Board of Directors of DFW Medical Center Grand Prairie for more than ten years, acting as Chairman for a number of those years. He was a constant presence and devoted father and grandfather who, if he knew about it, never missed a child or grandchild's game, performance, activity, or celebration. Helping people was his passion. He often said, "If you'll pay attention, I can make a difference in your life." His final act was to ask that no more 0- blood be wasted on him and to donate his corneas and skin through LifeGift. Many are indebted for his financial foresight. Those thankful include Guerrero-Dean Funeral Home, whom he assisted for more than twenty years, as well as many others. His advice will not be forgotten. His advice to everyone was to read "The Richest Man in Babylon", a book written in 1926 by George S. Clason. Survivors: children, Rae Ann Forester and spouse Warren, Roger Kerbow II and spouse Deborah, Susan Cowan and spouse Rick; grandchildren. Aaron Forester and spouse Diana, Katherine Lowry and spouse Manzy, Ethan Forester, Ryan Kerbow, Reagan Kerbow, Robin Kerbow, and Garrett Kerbow and great-grandchildren, Florence and Caleb Forester, seven nieces and nephews, and many friends. The family request donations be directed to The Lions Sight and Tissue Foundation, http://lstf.org/donate-money/,

Roger Alan Kerbow, CPA

August 24, 1939 - August 7, 2022