Roger G. Kimble, 88, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022 at the Ernestine Raclin Hospice House.
He was born on March 14, 1933, to George and Dorothy (Taber) Kimble. On June 12, 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Wilma (Billie) Sriver at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Plymouth, IN.
Roger was a 1951 graduate of Plymouth High School. He attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC on a full ride football scholarship. After attending college and playing football in South Carolina for 1 year, Roger transferred to Ball State University to be with his best friend Jerry Greenlee. During college at BSU, Roger passed his ROTC requirements for Air Force pilot training and signed a 4-year obligation. Completing his USAF career as a Staff Sergeant in 1957.
Roger and Billie moved to Kalamazoo, MI in 1959 and he worked as the Engineer manager of the Customer Service department at Clark Equipment for over 29 years, providing service for over 110 Clark Dealerships in North America and Canada. When Roger retired in 1988, Roger and Billie moved back to Pretty Lake in Plymouth to live close to his mother, sister and mother-in-law.
Roger loved golfing, traveling, building and flying model airplanes, fixing things, remodeling the home on Pretty Lake and having conversations with his friends.
He is survived by his wonderful wife of 67 years, Billie; their children, Michael (Sherry) Kimble of Kalamazoo, MI; Steven (Wendy) Kimble of Kalamazoo, MI; Catherine (Mark) Thomason of Indialantic, FL; grandchildren: Kristina (Brent) Fredryk, Brett (Heidi) Kimble, Kirsten (Trevor) Tenney, Kyler (Alex) Kimble. Great-grandchildren: Paityn and Lilliyn Fredryk, Camden and Brody Kimble, Lola and Cooper Tenney and Parker Kimble.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents George and Dorothy Kimble, sister Barbara Kimble and his in-laws, Clifford and Lola Sriver.
Roger wanted to be remembered as a good husband to his wife Billie, a good father who wanted the best for his children, sometimes a meddling grandfather who wanted them to be the “best they can be” and a great-grandfather who sees nothing but success in their futures.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to his nurses Ann and Beth at Hospice and also a special thanks to all of the nurses, clergy, social workers at the Ernestine Raclin Hospice House. Amazing people that helped our family so much at a time that we needed them the most.
The family will be having a private service and celebrating Roger’s life this summer at the lake.
Memorial contributions can be made in Roger’s name to the Center for Hospice Care, Ernestine Raclin Hospice House, 501 Comfort Pl. Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Karen Christensen says
Your father was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He was loved beyond words and will be
missed beyond measure. The loss of a father is one of the greatest losses in life. I am thinking of you during this difficult time and I am here for you whenever you need me. I hope that your memories of your father bring you peace, comfort and strength. Prayers for your family🙏🙏
Joanne Burr says
Kirsten,
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Cherish his memories and hold them close to your heart. Sending hugs and prayers your way🙏🙏❤️❤️
Larry @ Sue Chase says
Billie @ Family, Larry and I are sadden to read about Roger.He was such a kidder with a great smile. Never seem to mind me the “little sister”hanging around.
Dan & Mary Greet says
I offer our prayers to you and your family. You are in our thoughts. Dan and Mary Greet. Young Supply.
Larry and Sue Chase says
Billie @ Family, Larry and I are saddened to read about Roger. He was such a kidder with a great smile. He never seemed to mind me the “little sister” hanging around with him and Jerry. RIP Roger.
Kirk & Rachael Collier says
Sending condolences to the entire Kimble family.
Steve we are sorry to hear the loss of your Dad.
Praying for comfort and strength to get through these days moving forward.
Much love,
Kirk and Rachael Collier
Harold J.. Schmidt says
Billie,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Roger was a good guy and he will be missed. If you need a shoulder, call anytime.
Paul says
Billie: I am sadened to learn of Roger’s passing. He and I had a nice chat at the last 50’s class reunion. Our thoghts and prayers are with you as you move forward.
Paul Kennedy says
Billie: I am sadened to learn of Roger’s passing. He and I had a nice chat at the last 50’s classes reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you move forward.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
We are so very sorry about the loss of Roger.
Most sincerely,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Lawrence Miller says
Sorry for your loss, but remember the great times you shared. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Merritt says
Sorry for your families loss 🙏 We always enjoyed doing things with Roger and you. R I P my friend.
Billy I hope you and your family are doing well.
Your friend,
Merritt
Suzanne Gibson says
THE OFFICERS OF THE VFW AUXILIARY 1162 PLYMOUTH IN
ARE SADDEN TO HEAR OF ROGERS PASSING OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WE WANT TO THANK HIM AND HONOR HIM FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUX 1162 CHAPLAIN-SECRETARY
vfwpost1162@gmail.com
Shirley Cox says
Billie. So sorry to read of the passing of Roger. The good memories you have will help heal. He is now at peace
Kathy Szczepkowski says
Dear Billie and children etc.
So sorry you had to undergo such an ordeal and he finally released his earthly shell and is with his heavenly family now. My prayer is for you. Dear Billie you are one of the sweetest people I ever met at the Rectory and though retired now 6 years, I still enjoy seeing you around. I will keep you all in my prayers. God bless
Kathy Szczepkowski
Patty Romano says
Billie
So sorry to hear the passing of your husband.
My Mom, Dorothy Kraft spoke very highly of you and Roger.
Condolences to you and family.
Patty Kraft Romano
Jim wright says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Roger ! I love the kimball family, good people and a lot of fun! I first met Roger when I played little league, he was my baseball coach , If you know Roger he coached to win ! He had lots of knowledge of the game and lots of good intensity…lol I really enjoyed playing for him, when we won a game as little leaguers Roger would get us triple treats! Billie I always thought of you as a superstar, you are the back bone of the family Raising three kids and believe me I know what us kids did ….lol I will always have good , fun and loving thoughts of Roger ! Will love Jim wright