Kay Roger Smith

K. Roger Smith, age 90 and a longtime Warsaw area resident, passed away peacefully at 4:48 a.m. on Monday, October 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 thirty-one 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 fifty 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 August 22, 1955. She preceded him in passing in 1993. He was married to Carol Easter on August 6, 2002 and the pair shared more than eighteen years together before Roger’s Monday morning passing. In addition to Carol and a large extended family, a step-son, 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, October 30, 2020 at 11 a.m. in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, 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. Memorial gifts may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.