Roger E. Tunell
Roger E. Tunell
Roger E. Tunell
1950-2026
Roger E. Tunell, 75, of Maryville, Missouri passed away Wednesday September 16, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
Roger was born on December 1, 1950 in Maryville to the late Nelson Leonard Tunell and the late Frieda Mae Johnston Tunell.
Roger graduated from Maryville High School in 1968. He served in the U.S. Army from May 21, 1970 until July 8, 1973, he then worked at UniRoyal from 1973 until 1983 when UniRoyal moved to Red Oak, lowa. He then worked at Saye’s Machine Shop until he started at Kawasaki in June 1989 when the Maryville plant opened. After 29 years of service he retired from Kawasaki in January 2018.
Roger married Marla Kinder in January 1971, and they had three children together, they later divorced in 1995. Roger then married Cynthia Joan Nelson on December 1, 2001.
Anyone that knew Roger would tell you he was a jack of all trades and master of most. Frequently referred to as “God” by his coworkers at Kawasaki. He could fix just about anything, could lay down one of the best bead welds ever, and could even build something new. He was a true diagnostician, investigator, analyst, problem solver, troubleshooter, evaluator, interpreter, mender, fixer, and reconstructionist. He was a superb advice giver and his children frequently relied upon him when they needed advice. He was full of wisdom and humor. He had the quickest comebacks and a nickname for everyone including his own children who he referred to as Mert (Marcy),
Toad (Kyle), and Neut (Brenna). He enjoyed sitting in his garage watching Jeopardy and Family Feud. He also enjoyed visiting the shooting range and grilling. He loved camping, boating, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Roger made the best ring bologna potato soup!
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia, of the home, his three children Marcy (Rick) Clark, Brenna (Tim) Eckstein, both of Maryville and Kyle (Kristen) Tunell of St. Robert, one step-son Clifford (Crystal) Nelson of Culver City, California, his grandchildren Orry (Jodi) Tunell, Jeremy (Kourtnie) Clark, Cheyanna (Coulton) Richardson, Karsen (Ethan) Baldridge, Kyle Tunell II, Kolby Tunell, Kort Tunell, Taryn Schluter, Jared Schluter, and Kellan Clancy and one step granddaughter Cole Nelson, six great grandchildren, and siblings Marilyn Wright of Denver, Colorado, Gary (LuAnn) Tunell of Dallas, Texas, Michael Tunell of Batesville, Mississippi, Karen (Larry) Farrens, Delores (Gary) Proffit, Rita Staples, Kirby (Jennifer) Tunell, and Aunt Joan McGinness all of Maryville and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Good friends Tim Babcock and Jesse Godsey.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Betty Darlene Thompson, and nieces and nephews, Bart Thompson, Amanda Tunell, Gregory Tunell, Jennifer Dickinson, and Carl Vansickle.
Services will be held on Tuesday September 22, 2026 at Bram Funeral Home Maryville with visitation from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 4:30 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
