Roger Leon Demers

Reverend Roger Leon Demers, 78, of New Braunfels, passed away Monday, August 7, 2017, in New Braunfels. Born on September 27, 1938, in Manchester, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late Albert Joseph Demers and Louisia Anna (Chabot) Demers. Roger is survived by his children, Sharon-Beth (Demers) Runge and her husband, Charles, of New Braunfels, Susan Demers Bagnall and her husband, Ralph, of Florida, and Roger Leon Demers, II and his wife, Jane, of Florida; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and sisters, Rita (Demers) Royer, Lucille (Demers) Sweeney, and Doris (Demers) Henderson, all of Florida. In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Eugenia Susan (Putnam) Demers; sister, Therese (Demers) Shortall; brother, Richard Demers, and grandson Michael E. Clark. Roger served in the Army National Guard, Marine PLC program, and the Marine Reserves. He studied language and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, and taught in various school districts in New Hampshire for more than twenty years. Roger attended graduate school at Oral Roberts University where he obtained both a Masters of Divinity degree and a Masters degree in Christian Counseling. He acquired his hospital chaplain certification through the Baptist Clinical Pastoral Education program at Baptist Regional Hospital in San Antonio, TX, and was a certified bereavement counselor. He pastored an independent church for two years then was blessed with a chaplaincy position at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, TX, where he mentored nearly 200 Clinical Pastoral Education students. He ministered at Santa Rosa for nearly 20 years then worked as a hospice chaplain until he retired at age 75. Roger was a personal caregiver and advocate to AIDS patients and volunteered at the San Antonio AIDS foundation. He led a Bible study group and spent numerous hours volunteering at his church. He also started a Sunday service program at two nursing homes in Seguin, TX. Roger had a great love for animals. He went everywhere with his dog, Poupee, and maintained a small farm where he enjoyed raising goats, sheep, and foul, especially chickens. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Lux Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Roger's name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.