COLUMBIA CITY – Roger Allen Drudge, 74, of Columbia City, passed away suddenly at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at his home.  
Born on May 17, 1949, in Warsaw, he was a son of Harley Maynard and Ruth Wiladene Blickenstaff Drudge. Growing up in the Warsaw area, he attended Silver Lake Elementary School and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1967.
He was married to Michelle’s mother Fahriye Has Drudge for several years, then on July 2, 1999, he was united in marriage to Lynne M. Harris. The couple made their home in Tri Lakes, Columbia City. Lynne died June 12, 2019.
On Aug. 17, 1967, he entered the United States Air Force as a security policeman. He advanced to chief master sergeant as an air transportation coordinator, and was honorably discharged March 1997.
After leaving the Air Force, he worked as a director in safety and maintenance at the Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital.
He enjoyed mushroom hunting, travelling, fishing and lake life. He was also a basketball fan and an avid foodie, and really enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He was a member of the American Legion and a USO supporter.
Surviving is his daughter, Michelle A. Drudge, of Fort Wayne; stepdaughter, Stefanie Branning; eight grandchildren: Ryan, Fisher, Grady, Rory and Soren Branning and Naomi, Erik and Ayda Harris; sisters, Elaine Rager, of Fort Wayne; and Marilyn Sterk, of Claypool.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fahriye; stepson, Riley Harris; and a sister, Peggy Boggs.
The funeral service is 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with military honors. Visitation is from noon until the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials in Roger’s honor are to Tunnels to Tower Foundation to help American Heroes or the Wounded Warriors Project.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.