The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

ROOSA, STUART ALLEN (1933–1994).

An astronaut, Stuart Allen Roosa was born on August 16, 1933, in Durango, Colorado, into the family of Dewey Roosa. The Roosa family later moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. After attending Claremore High School in 1951, Stuart Roosa went to Oklahoma State University, the University of Arizona, and the University of Colorado, at the latter school receiving a degree in aeronautical engineering. Joining the U.S. Air Force in 1953, he became a pilot, flying F-101, F-84F, and F-100 aircraft stationed at various bases around the nation. In 1965–66 he served as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1966 NASA selected him as an astronaut. After training, he became part of the crew of Apollo 14, the third lunar landing mission, which took place from January 31 to February 9, 1971. Roosa was the command module pilot for that mission; afterward, he was a backup pilot for Apollo 16 and 17 and participated in the space shuttle program. Retiring from the air force and NASA in 1976 with the rank of colonel, he was involved in manufacturing, real estate, and other business ventures. Stuart A. Roosa died on December 12, 1994, of pancreatitis and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, the former Joan Barrett, and four children survived him.

Dianna Everett