Master Sergeant Roger Galyean, United States Army, Ret.

Roger Galyean was born September 28, 1940 in Paducah, Texas and passed away on January 15, 2011 in the Veterans Hospital at Temple, Texas.

Roger proudly served his country in the United States Army, including tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired in 1980 with the rank of Master Sergeant. His many medals and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and many awards for his service in Vietnam.

After retiring from the Army, he went to work for the Harker Heights, Texas Police Department from which he retired as a Captain, the second in command. Roger was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Franziska, two sisters and a daughter.

Funeral services were held on January 19 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Killeen. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for interment. The procession was greeted by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the Texas wind and more Patriot Guard Riders. After the coffin was moved from the hearse into the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter while military honors were rendered.

An Honor Guard of the Harker Heights Police Department was present to honor their fellow officer.

Final prayers were said by the Priest. The Army Rifle Detail fired three rounds of fire representing Honor, Duty and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that draped the silver casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to Roger’s wife, Susana, on behalf of the United States Army and a grateful nation in thanks for his service to his country.


A Masonic grave side ceremony was then conducted. A white apron, an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, was placed upon the casket. A sprig of evergreen, an emblem of faith in the immortality of the soul, was placed atop the casket and a final prayer was recited.

Master Sergeant Roger Galyean was then laid to rest on the gentle plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two daughters, a granddaughter and many other dear family, friends and fellow soldiers and police officers.

God Bless America

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

-Irving Berlin-

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information