Roger L. Farmer

August 18, 1941 – December 10, 2024

Roger L. Farmer was born to Donald and Gladys (Kephart) Farmer in Iowa City, Iowa, on August 18, 1941. He passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 83 at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis where he was receiving treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

After graduating from Hazleton High School in Hazleton, Iowa, in 1959, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. While serving his country as a radio operator, LCpl Farmer participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis and was stationed throughout East Asia. After returning stateside, his last duty station was at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Sadly, he was exposed to hazardous materials at Camp Lejeune, which caused his AML.

In 1968, Roger married Marie (Voss) at St. Patrick’s Church in Monona, Iowa. They had three children, Jacqueline, Stephanie, and Jeffery. As Vice President of International Sales in the two-way radio communication industry, he traveled the world and always enjoyed sharing stories of his past travels. He retired in 2021 after 25 years with CNO Financial Group, formerly Conseco Insurance Company.

Roger adored his four grandchildren, Sophia, Jack, Lauren, and Willow. “G-pa” attended as many of his grandchildren’s extracurricular events as he was able. He shared his love of gardening, storytelling, speech writing, and sports with each of them. His four grandchildren filled his heart with love every day and he cherished the time he spent with each of them.

As an avid reader, he enjoyed reading books about World War II. He liked watching Westerns, Purdue sports, and playing card games. He enjoyed telling a story, giving impromptu speeches and making those around him smile with his quick wit and intellect. He was the co-founder of the Hook, Line and Sinker Club which later became the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Group. Roger always enjoyed his Thursday breakfasts with this group of men, sharing stories of their past and arguing over the finer things in life. This group always lifted his spirits no matter how sick he might have been.

Marie and the family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and techs at the Richard L. Roudebush VA who provided extraordinary and compassionate care. He was a favorite at the hospital where he was known for his fun socks and quick mastery of his scooter. We know that he held a special place in his heart for everyone he knew there. You made his final years easier on him and for that we will be forever grateful.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Farmer, his sister Maxine Wall, and his son-in-law John Christopher Sciaudone.

Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marie; his daughters, Jacqueline Farmer and Stephanie Sciaudone; his son, Jeffery (Jennifer) Farmer; his grandchildren, Sophia, Jack, Lauren Sciaudone, and Willow Farmer; his sister, Delores Bartz; several nieces and nephews; and his fur babies, Henry, George, Paisley, and Piper.

Father Thomas Haan will preside over funeral services for Roger at 11 a.m. December 27, 2024, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Noblesville. Visitation will precede the service and will begin at 10 a.m.

A military burial and Celebration of Life will be held on June 14, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

In Roger’s memory please consider donating blood to your local blood bank.

Roger, Dad, G-pa you will be deeply missed. Oorah Marine.

Condolences: randallroberts.com