Roll Call Tribute

Roger Burton Corzine 

November 20, 1929 - March 28, 2024 

Roger Burton Corzine, of Odessa, Texas, died March 28, 2024, at the age of 94. Roger was born in Osage County, Oklahoma on November 20, 1929, to Earl and Irma Corzine. In 1935, his family moved to Oklahoma City where he attended 12 years of public school in the Oklahoma City School System. After graduating from Oklahoma City Central High School in 1948, he attended The University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1952. Upon graduation, he came to Goldsmith, Texas to visit his brother, Clarence Corzine. Before ending his visit, he was hired by ECISD as a science teacher at Odessa High School. He taught only two months before being drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training, Roger was sent to the Pentagon where he worked in Army Intelligence. Upon completion of his service, he returned to Odessa in 1955 and resumed his teaching position at Odessa High School where he taught until 1967. He was then hired by Odessa College as a professor in the Science Department where he taught Biology, Entomology and Anatomy and Physiology until 1993 when he retired. While at OC, he was a faculty sponsor of Phi Theta Kappa, the Junior College Honor Society.

Roger was a true scholar and had a thirst for learning. In addition to his degree from the University of Oklahoma, he obtained Masters degrees from the University of Colorado (1959) and Michigan State University (1970). He also took classes at several other Universities and colleges including University of Texas-Austin, Texas A&M University, Sul Ross State University, City College of New York, Texas Tech University, Nova University, University of Texas of the Permian Basin and Odessa College.

After retiring from teaching, Roger was involved in various volunteer activities, serving on the boards of Heritage of Odessa Founders, Odessa Council for the Arts and Humanities (President), Parker House Ranching Museum (one of the founding members) and the Interfaith Service Council (President). He was a long-time member of the Permian Basin Master Gardeners where he also held office. Roger loved this community and invested deeply in it. In recognition of his study of and contributions to the arts, history and culture, he received the Heritage of Odessa Foundation's 2012 Community Statesman Award for Humanities.

Roger was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church Odessa where he became a member in 1957. He sang in the Sanctuary Choir for many years until a vocal cord problem prevented him from participating. He held the office of deacon and served on numerous committees throughout the years. He also served as the Sunday School Secretary for a period of time and taught in one of the adult Sunday School classes.

Roger is survived by his nieces and nephews including Anita Corzine Miller (Ty) of Odessa; David Corzine (Janet) of Arvada, Colorado; and Belinda Corzine Roos (Randy) of Milliken, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Irma Corzine, brother Clarence Corzine and wife, Ethel; brother John Corzine and wife, Mary; nephew Tracy Corzine (Carolyn); nephew Danny Corzine (Glyndel); nephew John Corzine; niece Margaret Corzine Ayers (Joseph); and niece Marilyn Corzine Farris (Sam). Although he never married nor had children, he leaves behind a legacy of valued relationships with family, friends, former students and colleagues. The family is particularly grateful for his Parks Senior Living family who cared deeply for him and brought him great joy and laughter in these last few years.

The family will hold a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church Odessa on April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Attic Foster Network, P.O. Box 8022, Midland, Texas 79708. The family wishes to thank you for your prayers, condolences and the memories you have all shared with us.