Sheriff Roof suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after arresting two auto theft suspects.

Sheriff Roof and Deputy Robbins responded to the report of a stolen vehicle being spotted in Graysville and arrested a juvenile and adult for stealing. After effecting the arrest, Sheriff Roof became ill and was taken to Putnam County Hospital where he died at 12:35.

Sheriff Roof began working for the department as a dispatcher/jailer in 1985 and became a deputy sheriff in 1986. He was named acting sheriff in 1989 and was elected in 1989 and 1992. Sheriff Roof served in the US Army as a corporal during WWII. He was survived by his wife and two sons. Interred: Unionville Cemetery, Unionville, MO.