Farmer Roger Poythress dies at 62

Madera Tribune File Photo

Roger Poythress.

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The Madera farming community, as well as its religious community, has lost one of its greatest contributing members with the sudden death of Roger Dwight Poythress, 62, on Sept. 3, 2018.

“He was a worshipful man with a strong belief in the Lord,” said Pastor Randy Brannon of the Grace Community Church.

Brannon was his pastor for 25 years, he said.

“Roger served our congregation in many capacities through the years and helped those less fortunate in many anonymous ways,” said Brannon. “He and the example he set will be greatly missed.”

Roger and his fraternal twin brother, Madera County Supervisor Robert Poythress, are lifelong Madera residents and third-generation farmers who have tended almond and walnut orchards for 38 years. Together the brothers also own TECO Hardware and various real estate investments Robert said.

After they graduated from Madera High School in 1974, Roger earned a bachelor of science at Fresno State while Robert attended Cal Poly and majored in agriculture.

“My brother was one of the most determined people you would ever meet,” said Robert.

“My mother recognized Roger’s determination from a very early age,” said Robert. She said she knew if Roger took the wrong path in life he would be impossible to control.

He embraced Christianity as a teenager and had led his life accordingly ever since, Robert said.

Roger is survived by his wife of 36 years, Robin Poythress; son Kent Poythress and wife Amber of Elk Grove; daughter Ann Parker and husband Matthew of Fresno; son Kevin Poythress and wife Saylah of Fresno; brother Robert and wife Carol Poythress of Madera; sister Sharon Moore and husband Terry of Clovis; and grandchildren Colton and Kendra Poythress; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, at Grace Community Church, 17755 Road 26.

Donations and memorials can be made to Love INC., and The Gideons.