Roger W. Smith, 70, of rural Fayette, died Wednesday afternoon, January 9, 2013, at the Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon. He was born December 3, 1942, in Alvordton, OH, to the late Walter and Velma (Wheeler) Smith. He married Susan E. Richards on January 12, 1978. She survives.
Roger, a life-long Alvordton-Fayette area resident, proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967-1973, during the Vietnam War. Roger worked as a welder for Challenge Cook in Bryan until its closing after over twenty years of employment, and later retired from Bil-Jax in Archbold following ten years of service. Roger was a member of the West Unity American Legion, the Williams County Veterans Memorial, and the VFW. In his spare time, he enjoyed coon hunting, playing the banjo, and being with his grandchildren.
Surviving Roger in addition to his wife, Susan, are three sons, Jerry (Lori) Lewellen of Fayette, Jon (Alisha) Schang of Hillsdale, MI, and Charles (Shannon) Ries of Montpelier, OH; a daughter, Maria (Mark) Keegan of Edgerton, OH; two brothers, Arlan (Sharon) Smith, and Bill (Deb) Smith both of West Unity; and two sisters, Donnie (Leroy) Scherer, and Betty Nowak, both of West Unity. Roger was a beloved “Papa” to Jordan Lewellen, Ashley Lewellen, Tyler Lewellen, Jacy Lewellen, Jeriann Lewellen, Amber Hughes, Cole Ries, Joshua Lewellen, Seth Ries, Bethany Hughes, Jesse Lewellen, Katlynn Ries, Lane Ries, Logan Ries, Anthony Ries, Travis Lewellen, Sara Lewellen, Abbygayle Ries, and Jonie Schang; and six great-grandchildren, James, Lisa, Ty, Jamison, Ellie and Linus. Roger also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Katy.
Preceding Roger in death besides his parents, were three brothers, Ralph, Floyd, and Charles.
A visitation for Roger Smith will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2013, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-Barrett Chapel in Fayette. Private military interment will take place in the Waldron Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorial donations in Roger’s honor to the Williams County Veterans Memorial.