Luster Root

ROOT, Luster L. "Les" - Age 75, of Fenton, died December 8, 2014. Funeral services will be held 12 PM Friday, December 12, 2014 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. Pastor Tom Hoose will officiate. Visitation will be held 4-8 PM Thursday and 11AM until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to the Salvation Army or Michigan State School of Journalism. Les was born February 25, 1939 in Memphis, TN, the son of Luster and Pearl Root. His broadcasting career began as a Senior at Flint Central High School in 1957. In 1958 he began part-time announcing at WMRP-AM (now WWCK-AM). In 1958, he joined the staff of WBBC-AM (WTRX-AM). For the next 11 years, he was full-time air staff at WBBC/WTRX. Les joined the US Army Reserve for a number of years and spent his training at Ft. Knox, KY. Les was appointed News Director of WTRX in 1964, where he led the news operation until 1970. He was then appointed News Director of Flint Radio Station WFDF-AM. At WFDF, Les had the opportunity to report, while on special assignment, from Washington DC, Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA and Israel. He also provided reports to NBC and CBS when WFDF was affiliated with those networks. Les was active in the Associated Press, serving on the AP's Wire Study and First Amendment Awards Committee. He was a prolific contributor to the Michigan AP Wire Broadcast Report. Les was a panelist and presenter at several AP, Radio and Television News Directors Association and NBC News Affiliates Association Seminars. During his tenure at WFDF, there were six ownership changes with four more stations being acquired. The last owner, Cumulus Media, sold to Disney Corporation in 2002, but retained Les as News Director for the four station Flint cluster. After 53 years, he would receive the highest honor of being inducted in to the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame on April 22, 2005. Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Maxine; daughters, Jennifer Dasczynski of Columbia, MO, Jackie (Brian) Sweeney of Maryland/DC area, Janet (Robert) McCrory of Nevada, MO, Shellie (Michael) Odren of Grand Blanc, Susan (Loren) Jackson of Flint, Shawn Ochs of Linden, Michelle (Deric) Holland of Burton; grandchildren, Megan, Mariah, Alexandra, David, Candace, Derek, Natalie, Katie, Sam, Sarah, Tyler, Cristian, Erica, Alex and Alivia; five great-grandchildren. Thanks and gratitude to special friends, Steve and Sheree Hoose. Also, a special thank you to the staff and management of the Bob Evans Restaurant in Fenton for their kind and generous support. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Thursday, December 11, 2014 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, December 12, 2014 12:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel
1000 Silver Lake Road Fenton 48430, United States