Roger W. Fenner's Obituary
FENNER, Roger W., age 77, of Waynesville, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022.
On April 11, 1945, Roger was born to Howard and Helen Fenner in Jamestown, Ohio. He graduated from Cedarville High School in 1963 and earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Miami Jacob’s College. He honorably served in the United States Air Force. Roger retired as an accountant at GM in 2001 after 37 years of service to the company. In addition, he operated a small side business by preparing taxes for people.
Roger lived a life of volunteerism, coaching youth, and leading organizations. He was chosen as a delegate of the American Legion’s Buckeye Boys State during his younger days. He served as president of the Waynesville Rotary Club and the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he led the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival Committee through the Chamber, serving as president of the popular festival that draws several hundred thousand people each year. In addition, he was a member of the Elks Lodge in Xenia and a 50-year member of the Cedarville Masonic Lodge #622. He was not the type to sit on the sidelines and watch while his sons were growing up; Roger often found himself coaching, refereeing, or serving as administrator for whatever team or sport his sons were involved in. Perhaps most notable, he helped establish recreational soccer in Waynesville upon moving to town 42 years ago.
Roger was family-oriented, hardworking, friendly, giving, and helpful with a calm demeanor. He was incredibly proud of his family and his family name. He insisted on leaving a legacy to those who would remember him as one who advocated honesty, fairness, and goodness to others. He was the first to offer assistance whenever someone needed a hand. He was insistent and organized and always felt that his things had a purpose and a place, especially the items in his garage.
He grew up in a farm family and lived on a farm while growing up in Cedarville. When he got married and moved to Waynesville, while not living on a farm like he used to, he still held on to many farm-related activities and passions from his childhood. He loved tractors and was always doing something outdoors or farm-related, especially if his sons were involved. He often found himself working with landscaping, burning brush, and removing stumps, often using his tractor. He enjoyed bowling and playing golf in a league for fun, the latter being something he picked up in retirement. In addition, he was a big fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes football.
He loved his family and spending time together. He insisted on his family being together during the weekends. Sunday drives to the country, or anywhere really, became a family tradition. While they took several trips together to such places as Canada, Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach, Chattanooga, and Gatlinburg, it was time together in what they referred to as “faithful togetherness” that was important. His family will never forget the time spent making homemade ice cream together as one of his favorite activities. In addition, spending at least a couple of days a week enjoying breakfast at Blueberry Cafe in Bellbrook and B&B Carryout in Waynesville, mainly for the social aspect, became a tradition of Roger’s.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Elaine Fenner McGill. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Connie; three sons, Brian (Susan) Fenner, Kevin (Anna) Fenner, and Darin Fenner; six grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary, Olivia, Kai, Ian, and Collin; and one brother, Joseph C. (Barbara) Fenner.
The family will receive friends 11 AM - 1 PM Saturday, June 11 at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation at 1 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. James Engle will be officiating the services. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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