GOSHEN — Roger Francis Bayak, 79, Goshen, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 5:32 a.m. Feb. 20, 2017.
He was born Dec. 31, 1937, in South Bend, to Walter Bayak and Kathleen Brooks Lyons. He married Marilyn L. Ferverda on Oct. 6, 1963.
Surviving are his wife, Marilyn, Goshen; son, Andy (spouse Paula) Bayak, Osceola; daughter, Wendy (spouse Kevin) Hite, New Paris; adopted son, Wojtek, Poland; brother, David Bayak, Nunica, Mich.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two on the way.
Preceding him were his parents and a brother, Jerry Bayak.
He served in the 38th Infantry Division U.S. Army National Guard, and was discharged in 1968. He was appointed to West Point in 1956. He graduated officer candidate school in 1964 as a second lieutenant. He trained soldiers who later served in Vietnam.
He worked in plant management at Starcraft Corp., Goshen; Chrysler, Kokomo; Essex Wire, Ligonier; and Controls Co., North Manchester.
He was a former commander of the Goshen Veterans Honor Guard and a docent at the Center for History and Studebaker Museum, South Bend. He volunteered at RETA, Elkhart and LVD Concert Hall. He was a member of Model “A” Restorers Club, American Legion Post 30, VFW Post 985 and DAV Chapter 15.
A memorial gathering will be from 2 to 7 p.m. March 3 at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen, and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. memorial service March 4 at New Paris Missionary Church, 67621 Ind. 15, New Paris. Pastor David Hackney and Pastor Matt Schoettle will officiate. Burial will be in New Paris Cemetery.
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Memorials to New Paris Missionary Church; Goshen Veterans Honor Guard; An Orphan Smiles, P.O. Box 175, Kimberton, PA 19442; or to Goshen Hospital Hospice.
Condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com.
