Lt. Roger Longino, 50, of Coushatta passed away suddenly at his home in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019.
He was born Dec. 30, 1968, in Natchitoches to Gene and Evelyn Blanchard Longino of Coushatta.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 29 from 5-10 p.m. at Union Hall Baptist Church on Hwy 71 south of Coushatta where Roger was a lifelong member. Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 30 at Red River Elementary School. Bro. Jeff Shows will officiate the service assisted by Bro. Weylon Gauntt and Bro. Matt Endris. Burial will follow in the Union Hall Cemetery.
Roger is survived by his parents; brothers, Michael Longino and wife Karen and Brad Longino and wife Katie; significant other, Sonya Marie Cole and her children; nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own children, Dillon “Bubba” Longino, Kelsey Arredondo and husband Dianey and their children Amelia, Alise and Arthur Lane, Katie Marie Longino and son Walker, Tristan Niette, Tori Niette Morgan and husband Austin and son Steele, and Sophie, Izzy, Gabby and Lauralye Longino; aunts and uncles, Len and Billie Sue Blanchard, Wayne and Carrie Longino, Elaine and Bobby Cloud, Marie and James “Jimmy” Elliott, Robie and Glynda Longino and Tonie and Vickie Longino; his law enforcement family at Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office; his school family at Red River Elementary School; and numerous cousins, coworkers, school children and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Manboy and Dorothy Blanchard and Ruffin and Opal Longino; and aunt, Jackie Longino.
Roger devoted his life to helping others and was the epitome of the public servant. He loved his job as a deputy with the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office for 27 and one half years where he earned the rank of lieutenant. He worked in many capacities at the sheriff’s office; dispatcher, patrol deputy and shift supervisor. He received the Dean’s Award and the sharpshooter award at the at BPCC 51st police academy and was honored as Officer of the Year in 2000-01 by the local VFW.
Roger touched thousands of lives, most importantly, the youth. For over a decade, he protected the children of the parish as a school resource officer and D.A.R.E. officer at Red River Elementary where he also pitched in to coach football.
He worked tirelessly at the Fairview Ballpark for many years helping mold children’s lives by coaching and mentoring them. He was a counselor at times and an advocate often. Roger always enjoyed volunteering as a fireman, rescue operations or just helping when in need.
Roger was a 1986 graduate of Red River High School, taught hunter education courses, was an avid sportsman and had a special passion for fishing. He was director of the Red River High School B.A.S.S. team and captained boats at numerous tournaments.
Roger never had a bad word for anyone, was always there for his family, worried over every family member and friend and was selfless in all his endeavors. He was the person who would give up his vacation to captain a boat in a high school tournament in Mississippi for boys he’d never met, the one who checked on family members regularly and the one who got hugs or high fives from every RRES student, every year.
He shared with Sonya Cole some of the happiest times of his life.
He lived life to the fullest and set a great Christian example to all.
Pallbearers will be Ben Wood, Lenn Wood, Scott Phillips, Melvin Massey, Brad Longino and Evan Morgan.
Honorary pallbearers include Shane G. Hubbard, Brandon Foster, Jacob Rodgers, Tracy Scott, the RRHS fishing team and the RRPSO deputies.
Flowers may be sent to or donations made to Union Hall Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
