K. Roger Smith, age 90, and a longtime Warsaw area resident, passed away peacefully at 4:48 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, from Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw.
He was born on June 15, 1930, in Wabash, the son of Russell and Helen Coblentz Smith.
Roger was kind, giving and very intelligent. He was born blind but, true to his tenacious spirit, overcame the obstacles his blindness presented. He completed his undergraduate education at Manchester College and earned a master’s degree from Purdue University before spending more than 31 years with the Department of Defense. He worked in Naval Avionics and with the department of finance, namely at Fort Benjamin Harrison.
Roger loved the Lord and taught Bible study for more than 50 years. He was a longtime member of Harvest Community Church and previously of First Baptist Church, Warsaw. He enjoyed playing the organ and loved dogs. In fact, he had four service dogs over the years, his most recent was Hoover.
Blessed to find love twice, Roger was married to the late Mary Jo Smith on Aug. 22, 1955. She preceded him in passing in 1993. He was married to Carol Easter on Aug. 6, 2002, and the pair shared more than 18 years together before Roger’s Monday morning passing. In addition to Carol and a large extended family, a stepson, Jeffrey Shepardson (Teresa), and his family also survives.
He was preceded in passing by his first wife, Mary Jo Smith; a son, Andrew Smith; and a sister, Roselyn McHugh.
Friends may join family for a life celebration service on Friday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw. Gathering and visitation will take place for a half hour before the service. Family friend, Pastor Jack Worth will officiate with burial in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
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Memorial gifts may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
