Roger Dale Smith, age 51 of Elwood, died very unexpectedly on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana in Hamilton County following a sudden illness at home. He was born April 4, 1965 in Franklin, the son of Richard H. "Dick" and Jetta Sue (Pruitt) Smith. Roger was a Journeyman Electrician, and formerly worked for Gaylor Electric for over 10 years. Recently, he was self-employed as an electric contractor throughout the area. Roger was a 1983 graduate of Elwood Community High School, and was a football player and football team manager. He attended Vincennes University where he obtained an Associate degree, and later served an electric technology apprenticeship through Gaylor's ABC Program. Roger was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was a good golfer – even told he could have been a professional golfer. He attended the First Church of God in Elwood. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts football and I.U. basketball fan. Roger especially loved spending time with his beloved son, Hunter, and his nephews.

Roger is survived by his son, Hunter Smith of Indianapolis; fiance', Lisa Stage of Elwood; brother, Dan (wife Robin) Smith of Tipton; sister, Sherae (husband Rob) Wright of Elwood; step-son, Ryne Gross of Elwood; 3 special nephews, Forrest Wright, Isaac Wright, Sean Smith and several other nieces and nephews; and former spouse, Jill Smith of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by both his parents and all of his grandparents.

A funeral service celebrating Roger's life will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Kenny Stephens of the Elwood First Church of God officiating. Cremation will follow, and burial will take place privately in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Wednesday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.