Roger A. Hegemier, 76, of 214 N. Wagner Street in Wapakoneta, OH died 10:30 p.m. Saturday April 18, 2009 at his residence following an extended illness. 

He was born June 8, 1932 in Auglaize Co. OH to August F. and Esther L. (Roediger) Hegemier. 

On June 13, 1954 at Zion Lutheran Church in St.Marys, he married Carol M. Meyers, who survives. 

Other survivors include:

Son Craig Hegemier of Van Wert, OH

Son Kurt (Tammy) Hegemier of Wapakoneta, OH

4 grandchildren: Nicholas, Colt, Kiel and Joel Hegemier

5 step-grandchildren: Pat, Carrie, Jon, Celeste and William

Brother Donald (Marie) Hegemier of Wapakoneta, OH

Brother David (Virginia) Hegemier of New Knoxville, OH

Brother Rolland Hegemier of St.Marys, OH 

He was preceded in death by his parents and  brother and sister-in-law, William and Charlene Hegemier 

He was a 1950 graduate of Memorial High School in St.Marys. 

A natural athlete, he played baseball in high school, then was involved with the Pittsburgh Pirates farm team prior to being drafted by and playing professionally for the Philadelphia Phillies as a pitcher. 

He later farmed and worked at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in St.Marys, before establishing the Hegemier Tire Service in Wapakoneta and Van Wert. He had received special recognition from the company for his 42 years as an authorized dealer for Goodyear Tires. His family also operated the Hegemier BP Service Center in St.Marys for a number of years. 

He was a member of the St.Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wapakoneta Country Club, BPOE Lodge #1170 and Eagles Lodge Aerie #691, all in Wapakoneta and Moose Lodge #1533 in Lakeview. 

An avid golfer, he scored a hole-in-one on # 14 at the Oaks Golf Course in 1984. He also enjoyed boating and spending quality time on weekends and during the summertime with his family and friends at his home at Indian Lake.

Funeral services are scheduled 1:00 p.m. Friday April 24, 2009 at St.Mark’s Lutheran Church 302 E. Pearl Street in Wapakoneta, with the Rev. Mark A. Bauer, officiating. Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery, in St.Marys.

Visitation 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday at the Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home 314 W. High Street in St.Marys and one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to either: St.Mark’s Lutheran Church or Society for Progressive Supranuclear Dystrophy.