Roger Allen Moncrief

Roger Moncrief, a devoted United States Navy man, Vietnam veteran, and a man of uniquely broad interests, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 80. He was born on November 27, 1944, in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Roger dedicated the best years of his life to serving his country, completing a distinguished 24-year Navy career at the highest enlisted rank, Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). Due to his keen intelligence and technical aptitude, the Navy selected Roger for the aviation electronics technician specialty field, then he began his career at NAS Barber’s Point Hawaii in an EC-121 Super Constellation squadron. After that tour of duty, Roger was transferred into carrier-borne helicopters where he spent the rest of his career. Roger quickly became an expert on all facets of airborne electronics and was rapidly promoted through the ranks. He primarily served in Navy squadrons flying SH-3 Sea King helicopters and he made multiple deployments to Vietnam during the 1960s and early 1970s aboard the aircraft carriers USS Hornet and USS Midway. Roger’s military awards include the Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the Battle Efficiency ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Sea Service Deployment ribbon, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Pistol Medal. His commitment to duty, precision, and technical excellence was a defining characteristic of his time in uniform and the high standard he applied to all aspects of his life.

Following his retirement, Roger pursued a vibrant array of personal passions. He was an avid enthusiast of photography and spent countless hours exploring history and culture in various museums. His intellectual curiosity and capacity for holding diverse views were perhaps best reflected in his memberships: he was a loyal member of the National Rifle Association, the World Wildlife Federation, and the Audubon Society. This striking combination of loyalties—to conservation, the defense of liberties, and the appreciation of nature—testifies to a man who engaged with the world on his own terms.

Roger lived a full life marked by dedication, complexity, and enduring curiosity. He will be deeply missed by his friends and all those who appreciated his distinct perspective.

Full military rites will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in Barlow Central Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 11:00-12:30 p.m. at the BARLOW CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME, 11 White Oak Woods Drive, Vincent, OH 45784.

CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME OF BARLOW is honored to serve the Moncrief family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page. Roger asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Nature Conservancy or the Audubon Society.