Roger Joseph Schmeltz

Age 88 of Corvallis, passed away peacefully at Evergreen Hospice on Thursday, June 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving daughters. Born April 4, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio. Roger was the son of Leo and Ruth Schmeltz. He attended both public and private schools, mostly in Bowling Green, Ohio. At nine years old Roger lost his dad in a motorcycle accident, leaving his mother and grandparents to help raise him. In high school, he enjoyed many school activities but most of all, enjoyed singing in the school chorus and the a cappella choir. He had a close-knit group of friends in school, and they managed to remain close throughout their lives. He graduated with the class of 1954 as a Bowling Green Bobcat. After graduation, Roger took a road trip with his mother to the Pacific Northwest to visit friends. Roger had a strong desire to work in the forest, but after returning home to Ohio, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. That October Roger was sent to Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York for basic training, and then his first assignment was at Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas. This is where Roger would meet his future bride. A friend told him about a secretary on base that he should meet. Her name was Dorothy. After talking for a while, Dorothy agreed to go on a date. On November 23, 1957, Roger and Dorothy were married in Pampa, Texas. Shortly thereafter, Roger was assigned to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas and in September of 1958, they welcomed their first daughter: Karen. A month later, Roger was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. Roger set his sights on the green trees of Oregon and that dream of working in the forest. He moved his family to Corvallis and decided to study Forestry at OSU. While working at a car dealership, a man walking down the street asked Roger if he had ever thought about a job in law enforcement. The man thought Roger would make a good officer and recommended he talk to the Chief of Police. On December 22, 1959, Roger started a long-standing career with the Corvallis Police Department. In 1961, they welcomed their second daughter: Christina. At this point it was time to consider a house of their own. Dorothy and Roger purchased some land and had their family home completed the following year. In 1965, they welcomed another daughter: Teresa and in 1967, the birth of Linda completed the family. In 1969, ten years after starting his education at OSU, Roger earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. During that time, Roger worked 40 hours a week at the Police Department, earning the rank of Lieutenant, built a four-bedroom home and added three more children to that household. On April 1, 1988, Roger retired from the Corvallis Police Department after 28 years of dedicated service. Some interests of Roger’s were big band music, playing chess, reading about the history of and seeing England, Ireland and Scotland, keeping in touch with his childhood friends, and at one time being a member of the Corvallis Society of Model Engineers. Roger is survived by his daughters: Karen (Nick), Christina, Teresa and Linda (Mike); grandchildren: Nathan, Joe, Jared, Brent, Kaylee, Kyle and Brandon, and his five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Leo and Ruth and his wife: Dorothy who passed away in 2015. Roger was laid to rest at Oak Lawn Memorial Park in Corvallis. A gathering to celebrate his life will be announced in the near future. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Evergreen Hospice House. Their outstanding care, kindness and compassion made this difficult time much easier. “We look forward to seeing our dad again in paradise, here on Earth and in perfect health. (Revelation 21:3,4; Psalms 37:11,29) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Roger’s name to either Evergreen Hospice or Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Roger Joseph Schmeltz

April 4, 1936 - June 6, 2024