Lino Gomez Rojas

Lino Gomez Rojas passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning, April 6, 2024. Lino was born to José and María Rojas in Ralls, Texas, on September 23, 1936.

Lino was a hard-working man who worked in the fields as a youth and young adult. He received his GED during his service in the Army and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through Central Washington University while working at the Washington State Penitentiary as a Correctional Officer and then as a Counselor while raising a young family with his wife Adeline. Lino continued his career, becoming a well-respected Community Corrections Officer known for his firm but fair professionalism. He was honored as Washington State Correctional Officer of the Year and Community Corrections Officer of the Year. He retired in 1997 after 31 years of service.

Lino was a lifelong learner who displayed a knack for fixing or creating anything needed for his home and family. He was an avid car buff who delighted in participating in car shows and sharing his 1956 Buick Century with anyone and everyone. Other passions included playing games with family, going to the casino, camping, motorcycling, hunting, and going to the Oregon coast. He enjoyed spending time tinkering in his garage alone or with one of his young apprentices, especially his grandson.

Lino will be remembered as a man who cared about his family, friends, neighbors, and community.

He married the love of his life, Adeline Soto, on August 10, 1963. They settled in Walla Walla, where they raised their four children. Lino reveled in his children and grandchildren and would proudly tell his friends of their life achievements whenever possible. Favorite memories include annual Hot August Nights classic car trips with his boys and milestone anniversaries including a recent 60th wedding anniversary on the Oregon Coast with their immediate family.

Lino was a tough and honest man. This served him well in his career and later evolved into a role as a mentor and advisor to extended family and friends. Lino was a member of the Elks Club and spoke at local schools and universities. During his last few years, he simply enjoyed sitting in the front yard, meeting and greeting the neighborhood.

Lino is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, and son-in-law, Kelly Collins. He is survived by his wife, Adeline; sons, Art and Gus; daughters, Bobbi Collins Whitehead (John) and Christine Cook (Lance); grandchildren, Kylle Collins, James Cook, Aidyn Whitehead, and Olivia Cook; and his sister, Clara DeLuna (Ray), along with countless relatives.

Viewing and visitation will be held Monday, April 22, 2024, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, with the Rosary to follow at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 23, at 10:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church. Private Family Interment.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.