Roger Woodrow DeBolt

Roger Woodrow DeBolt

7-11-1940-9-4-2025

ALBION — Roger Woodrow DeBolt, 85, of ALBION, formerly of Ligonier and Syracuse, passed away Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Born July 11, 1940, in Columbia City, he was the son of Robert DeBolt and Margaret (Keiser) DeBolt Hutchings. Roger was a 1958 graduate of Ligonier High School and proudly served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Ord, California, and in Baumholder, Germany, from 1959 to 1962.

On May 2, 1964, he married the love of his life, Marna Ott, at the EUB Church in Ligonier. They shared 61 years of love and life together.

Roger worked in the construction industry for 44 years, beginning as a laborer with Rieth-Riley Construction and rising to general manager. He later joined Niblock Excavating Co. in Bristol, where he served as a construction superintendent until his retirement in 2005. Respected by colleagues and friends alike, Roger was admired for his work ethic, leadership and kindness.

He was happiest outdoors — fishing in every season, mushroom hunting, and carefully tending his property. Roger and Marna bowled together in Ligonier and Syracuse leagues for many years, and they were their children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fans, cheering them on at countless sporting events and 4-H activities. Known for his generosity, Roger was always ready to lend his time, love and talents wherever they were needed. His steady presence, gentle humor and genuine care for others will leave a lasting legacy for his beloved family.

Surviving are his wife, Marna; three children, Larry (Lorie) Shroyer of Goshen, Kim DeBolt of Wolf Lake, and Tod (Stephanie) DeBolt of Millersburg; four grandchildren, Rachea Smith, Ashley (Jaren) Kilian, Krista Parker and Brock (Heather) Heintzelman; 17 great-grandchildren, Jordan Patrick, Walker Patrick, Tayla Hays, Chloe Hays, Maddix Heintzelman, Jaxon Heintzelman, Phoenix Heintzelman, Knox Heintzelman, Axle Heintzelman, Treyton Hart, Darian Hart, Haylee Hart, Abby Kilian, Aidan Kilian, Remington Parker, Grayson Parker and Ryatt Parker; and one great-great-grandchild, Wade Patrick. Also surviving are three brothers, Rick (Bonnie) DeBolt of Wawaka, Richard DeBolt of Syracuse and Steve (Judy) Hutchings of Urbana, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather, Leon Hutchings, two brothers, Butch and Ronald DeBolt a half-brother Kevin Hutchings, and two step-sisters, Shirley Swartz and Estella Spradlin.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway S., Ligonier, IN 46767, with visitation from 12-3 p.m., before a private family burial in Oak Park Cemetery. Greg Hire, the preacher from Richville Community Church, will be performing graveside services for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Roger’s honor may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.