Born on August 23, 1936, Roger Shepler lived an exceptionally active life for 76 years, passing away on January 25, 2013 in Crossville, Tennessee. He was diagnosed with cancer in July 2012, shortly before he was scheduled to compete in the National Senior Olympics Golf Championships. Roger passed peacefully while his devoted wife, Nancy Miller Shepler, held his hand and softly sang to him. His room was graced with photos of his life and family, bearing witness to the loving memories he helped create and that others will remember fondly.

Roger lived the American dream. He was the first of his family from Lansing, Michigan, to attend college, obtaining an undergraduate teaching degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He was a remarkable athlete at WMU in football and track & field, winning the Mid-American Conference championship in the long-jump his senior year. Roger began his teaching and coaching career at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, MI but soon was recruited to Pontiac Central High School to teach and coach track & field. Roger had an impressive career at PCHS, leading his teams to numerous track championships including the prestigious Saginaw Valley Conference, Oakland County, Regional, Michigan State meet and three Tri-State Championships. His impressive overall record of 48 track championships was acknowledged in 1974 when Roger was selected “Michigan Track Coach of the Year.” Roger retired from coaching in 1978 and from teaching in 1991 to spend more time with his wife Nancy, and children Greg, Mark and Karla.

Roger and Nancy enjoyed many wonderful years in retirement in Fairfield Glade, TN. His passion for sports never waned, as he became one of the very best amateur senior golfers in the country, finishing first in his state and in the top quarter of the nation in 2011. In addition to golf, Roger enjoyed boating, traveling, reading history books, playing cards, following the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team and rooting for his beloved MSU Spartans and WMU Broncos. Roger truly celebrated each day and was admired by all for his attitude, spirit and devotion to his family.