Harold Roth

SAN DIEGO — Harold A. Roth, 91, of San Diego, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. 

He was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Illmo to Arthur and Ella Retzel Roth. He and Juanita Heuer were married Nov. 20, 1943, in Cape Girardeau.

Harold dedicated 31 years of service to the Southern Pacific/Cotton Belt Railroad as a conductor.

Harold served during World War II in the U. S. Army from November 1943 until December 1945. He was part of the landing at Utah Beach in German-occupied France in 1944 under Gen. Omar Bradley’s First Army and later served under Gen. George S. Patton of the 90th Division. During the Battle of Saint Lô, Harold was severely injured. Among the medals he received were the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Ribbon with four battle stars, and France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3838 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter MO16.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Escondido, California. 

Loving survivors include his wife, Juanita; a son, Dennis Roth; a daughter, Nancee (Rick) Ludwig; and a grandson, Eric (Janine) Ludwig, all residing in San Diego; and a sister, Ruby Scherer of Scott City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arvel and Marvin.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Grace Lutheran Church in San Diego, with pastor James Young officiating. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. March 11 at Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Berry Pfanstiel officiating. Burial will be accorded with full military honors.

Arrangements were by Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in San Diego, with Local arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

On-line condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.