Roger Earl Smith

Roger Earl Smith of Marion, Indiana passed away on June 27, 2019 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the age of 80. Roger was born May 25, 1939 in Kokomo, Indiana to Alice Elizabeth (Jarvis) Smith (Biven) and L. Richard Smith. He was a graduate of Kokomo High School.  When Roger joined the United States Air Force he quickly became a Jack-Of-All- Trades. He learned how to do everything from heating and air to fixing a busted pipe. Roger later went on to be employed by Indiana Bell for twenty five years. Roger ran a side business called Repairs Unlimited. Roger was a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as the Shrine clowns, where he loved to create balloon animals for the kids. After his stroke, it was one of the things he missed most. He was also known to play Santa's helper in the Grant County area. He loved judging the state fair and driving the Shriner’s van to help sick kids. In his spare time, made the best chocolate pies or went to the lake to catch the biggest fish. He also loved to snuggle with his dogs in the mornings or beat you in a game of poker. Roger married Alice Joan Smith (Torrance) on August 29, 1976. Together they had four children; Sherry Harrison (Smith), Roger Smith, Peter T. Smith and Elizabeth (Lorne Babcock). They also fostered many children and hosted a foreign exchange student. Roger had six siblings, two who have preceded him death Larry Smith and Nancy Smith. His surviving siblings are Alicia Mardis, Denis Smith, Thomas Smith and Joyce Decker. He was also a proud grandfather and great grandfather to Andre Harrison (Jimmara Harrison), Derek Harrison, Raquel Harrison, Daniel (Danika) Kroft (Babcock), David (Austin) Kroft (Babcock), Owen Babcock, Zoey Nicholson, Mathew Babcock, Emily Babcock and Omari Williams (Kweshawn Williams). Roger had many nieces, nephews and other children that he loved dearly and was extremely proud of.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 8, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the chapel on the V.A. Hospital campus, 1700 East 38th Street, Marion, Indiana. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will take place at 2:00 PM at Marion National Cemetery committal shelter. The family of Roger Earl Smith would like to thank the many caregivers he had throughout the years. Sorry he beat you in a few rounds of poker, we should have warned you.  If you plan on sending flowers please contact Lorne Babcock or Elizabeth Babcock for details.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate to The Grant County Humane Society or The Shriner's Hospital

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