Roger John Whatley Jr.

Roger J. Whatley, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, in a Lake Charles, LA hospital. Roger was born to Roger J. Whatley, Sr. and Margaret (Murphy) Whatley of Hamilton Township, NJ on August 17, 1937. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, Roger Whatley Sr. and wife Margaret; and one sister, Peggy Whatley Guertin. 

Roger will be missed by his wife of 64 years Patricia (Piotrowski) Whatley, sons Roger J. Whatley, III (Peggy), Mark Whatley, Gary Whatley (Donna) and one daughter Dawne Leturcq-Whatley (Dominic). Six grandchildren Rachel (Yonatan), Jessica, Sean, Erin (Joe), Mark (Nastassahja) and Collin (Jeanne); six great-grandchildren Noa, Ella, Styles, Ember, Adrian and Adeline; one nephew, Michael Guertin. 

His career began in Trenton at Bayer Aspirin in the laboratory. Later, Roger moved to Lake Charles and worked at Cities Service Oil Company in the Department of Engineering and Research Development. During his career, he acquired several patents related to the oil industry. Roger served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for eight years. Roger was an avid golfer. He began playing golf in his hometown of Trenton. He continued his quest to improve his golfing handicap when he moved his family to Lake Charles, LA, and later when he and Patricia moved to Hot Springs Village. Roger was lucky to have golfed throughout the United States and Europe. In between putting around on the golf course, he and Patricia could be found on a cruise ship. They loved to travel abroad, entertain in their home and spend time boating on Lake Balboa in Hot Springs Village. Roger was often told he had a strong resemblance to Santa Claus. His unique laughter could be heard as he actually played jolly ole Saint Nick for the children of his community and several cruise ships. A celebration of life was privately celebrated by family members.