Obituary of Roger Allen Priest

Roger Allen Priest, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away June 22, 2025 at the age of 79, handsome as ever and no gray hair. He has gone riding motorcycles with his buddies Fuzzy, Butch, Leo, and Mel.

Roger was born in West Branch, Michigan in May of 1946 to Hazel (Westrick) and Lee Priest. He attended St. Joseph Catholic school and was a graduate of West Branch High School in 1964. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp for four years. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was a Purple heart recipient. Roger raised a family and resided in West Branch for most of his life except for a few years and winters in Texas.

He is survived by his partner in life and devoted wife of 56 years Doris (David) Priest, and their two daughters, Michelle (Jason) Jacobs of Pooler, Georgia, and Cynthia (Joseph) Herndon of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Roger was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren: Caleb Belden of Rapid City, South Dakota; Kevin (Ginny) Jacobs of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Kendra Jacobs of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Albert) Diemert of Mission, Texas; brother, Kenneth Priest of West Branch; and brothers-in-law, Donald (Ruth) David of Lake City, Michigan, Daniel (Sandra) David of West Branch, and Doyle (Kathy) David of Prescott, Michigan.

Roger will be lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews, and many, many dear friends, including the Ed and Trish Brown family, Jason Tinker, and the boys at coffee—Hubert, Steve, and Mark.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerome Priest and Richard Priest (infant), and niece Rebecca Priest.

Per Roger’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Any memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or the Orioles Forever Foundation.

Final Farewell: In his last days, Roger said he would not wish Metastatic Melanoma on anyone, so his advice to everyone is to get your moles checked and wear sunscreen. And when he looks down from heaven and sees you all following his advice, he’ll know he died for your SKINS ;)

To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.