Reverend Roger Lee Childers, 81, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 29, 2026 at Otterbein Green Hills SeniorLife Community. He was born May 29, 1945, in Louisa, KY, to Ogal and Corine Childers.

Roger married the love of his life, Carol Ann Basham, on January 16, 1965 in Columbus, OH. Together they shared a beautiful life and raised their family.

Roger’s faith was the foundation of his life. One of his favorite stories—and one he told countless times—was the story of when he was saved. On June 14, 1958, during an old-fashioned tent revival in Millerscreek, WV, Roger accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. At just 14 years old, he answered God’s call to preach. That calling became the foundation of a lifetime spent serving God and others as a pastor in the Free Will Baptist Church.

Roger was a storyteller in every sense of the word. He loved sharing a good story, and those who knew him probably heard some of his favorites more than once. His stories, his humor, and the way he told them were a part of what made Roger so special.

He was the most kind, funny, and gentle man. He had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. To know Roger was to love him.

Roger was also an avid sports fan, and some of his happiest memories were made in the stands. For countless years, he sat in his reserved seats at Urbana High School on Friday nights, watching the Hillclimbers football games alongside many of his beloved friends. Those Friday nights were about much more than football—they were about friendship, tradition, laughter, and being together. He especially loved Kentucky Wildcats basketball and enjoyed watching the Ohio State Buckeyes play football.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Tina Lee (Dana) of North Lewisburg, OH; Dann Childers (Ruth) of Nashville, TN; and Debbie Shire (Mark) of Bellefontaine, OH; and his grandchildren, Adam Lee (Alisha), Madison Bailey (Taylor), Leanna Stamper, Lucas Saylor (Lisa), Marlee Dowdy (Caleb), and Gracie Shire (Isaiah); several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Ann Childers, who passed away on October 12, 2025; his parents, Ogal and Corine Childers; and his siblings, Sharon Childers and Cecil Paul Childers.

Roger lived a life of faith, love, laughter, friendship, and service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend. His gentle spirit, his stories, his sense of humor, and his love for Jesus will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

The family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to the nurses and entire staff at Otterbein Green Hills for the exceptional care, compassion, kindness, and support they provided to Roger and his family throughout the last four years. Your dedication and love for Roger will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for each person who cared for him, comforted him, and helped make him feel at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home, 5591 US Hwy 68 S., West Liberty, OH 43357. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in Highland Memorial Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 1890 or https://Dementia Society of America/donate

Online Condolences may be expressed at https://www.jenningsfarley.com