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Roger Leo Petill

Apr 25, 1935 - Oct 17, 2026

Roger Leo Petill, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with his loving and devoted wife, Janet, by his side.

Roger was born April 25, 1935, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Edward and Arabelle (Tackett) Petill. His family later moved to the South Bend area, where he graduated from Riley High School in 1953. He dedicated 36 years of service to Bell Telephone Company before retiring.

Roger was the proud father of four daughters: Cami, Joni, Lori, and Shelli. He cherished memories of riding horses with his girls and teaching each of them to ride motorcycles, passing along his love of adventure and the open road. He even extended that love to his grandchildren who remember going for their first rides with him when they were young.

Roger met Janet in 1977 and knew her for many years before their friendship blossomed into love. They married on May 2, 1992, and he welcomed three more children into his life: Marilyn, Emily, and Jack, whom he loved as his own. Together, Roger and Janet traveled the country by motorcycle, riding through 48 states and creating countless memories along the way. Janet was the love of Roger's life, his perfect match and the balance to his every day. Anyone who knew them could see the special bond they shared and the way they complemented one another, making their love a beautiful example of true companionship.

A perfectionist when it came to home repair projects, Roger took pride in doing things right. When he finally parked his motorcycle, he still needed to feel the wind in his face and fell in love with driving around in his Mazda Miata. He enjoyed watching Notre Dame, NFL football, and, most of all, watching his grandchildren play sports. Those who knew him will also fondly remember his playful habit of beeping his great grandkids' noses, a simple gesture that brought smiles and laughter.

Roger looked forward to going home to be with Jesus, holding onto the promise of eternal life. One of his greatest hopes was that his family would accept Jesus as their Savior so that, one day, they could all be reunited in Heaven. It was his heartfelt wish that the love he shared with his family on earth would continue for all eternity.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Eugene "Sonny" Petill; Delores Sprinkle; Mary McDaniel; and Eulalie "Tula" Hoesel; granddaughter, Jessica; great-grandchildren: Hunter and Malaysia; and son-in-law, Pete Sechrist.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Petill; sister, Marilyn (John) Keith-Berkley; children: Cami Gantt; Joni (Dave) Kurtz; Lori Sechrist; and Shelli Weldy; Marilyn (John) Oliver; Emily (Mark) Muckleroy; and Jack (Shirley) Kibort. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Katy DeMetz; Pamela Jones; Kevin Wurtsbaugh; Kelly (Clinton) Cutler; Tracy Gantt; Holly Gantt; Mindy (Brandon) Wilson; Alisha Sauls; Alison (Toby) Geyer; Andrea Sechrist; Teri (Joshua) Taylor; Patricia (John) Johnson; and Robert Holderread; 33 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Beth and Tiffany of Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate and dignified care they provided to Roger and his family.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home (115 S. Main St., Bourbon, IN 46504). A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kristin Harp officiating. The burial will take place in Mount Pleasant Cemetery (Bourbon, IN).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local hospice care center of your choice in Roger's memory.

Roger will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, and the many memories he created with those he loved. His journey may have ended, but his legacy of love and laughter will live on for generations.

Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the family and is honored to be providing our services in celebrating the life of Roger. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.

Source: Legacy.com

10/20/2026 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/roger-petill-obituary?id=62781614