Roy Lon Poage

Roy Lon Poage, 93, of Valera, Texas, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to be with His Lord and Savior Monday morning, June 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Floyd County, Texas and was raised on a farm along with his six brothers and one sister. Roy was a graduate of Texas Tech University in 1959 and served in the U.S. Army.

Roy is widely regarded as the architect of modern swine production. As cofounder of Lubbock Swine Breeders with his father-in-law Tavner Euel Liner he later became president of DeKalb Swine Breeders, he pioneered advances in swine genetics, confinement production systems, and herd health management that transformed pork production worldwide. His leadership helped build one of the largest swine genetics organizations in the world and left a lasting impact on agriculture for generations to come.

Following his retirement as President of DeKalb Swine Breeders, he moved to Valera where he raised cattle and enjoyed ranch life. He and his wife Kay were active members of the First Baptist Church of Coleman, he served on the Economic Development Board as well as several other committees to help Coleman.

Roy has influenced hundreds of young people throughout his career, and their home was always filled with laughter, love and hard work. With God’s help, Roy lived a blessed life working at what he loved alongside his gracious wife of 68 years.

Roy is survived by his wife, Kay, his daughter, Polly Poage and her partner Bob Hudson, his son, Lon Poage and his wife Kandace, his daughter Millie Poage Jacobson and her husband Eric Jacobson, grandchildren Jacob Nixon, Kayla Nixon, Michael Nixon, Shanna Nixon, Tavner Poage, Laney Poage, Noah Poage, Joshua Poage, Kyle Peffley, Shannon Peffley, Grant Jacobson, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman.

A service to honor the life of Roy Poage will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 200 E. College Avenue, Coleman, Texas, with Dr. Chas Shira, officiating, with eulogy given by Glyn Poage. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Family Life Center, hosted by the church. Private interment will be in Valera Cemetery, Coleman County. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

You may leave condolences for the family on Roy Poage’s obituary page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Coleman Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 592, Coleman, Texas 76834.