Roger Elwin Smelser, 90, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was welcomed into the loving arms of

his Savior on July 15, 2024. Roger was born in Mobridge, South Dakota on June 22, 1934, to

his parents Clarence and Lois Smelser. His family moved to Oregon when he was just a baby.

There he grew up on the farm with his brothers and sisters, Dorothy, Helen, Gladys, Richard,

and Earl.

During high school, he met the love of his life, Louise. They were married at the age of 20 on

June 27, 1954 and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in 2023. After high school, Roger

served in the National Guard for seven years. Together, he and Louise raised four children: Dan,

Ruth, Loren, and Brenda. In 1976, he moved his family to Anaheim, California, and later settled

in Oklahoma City.

Roger had a light about him that was unforgettable. Throughout his life, he played hard and

provided well for his family. He was adventurous, spontaneous, bold, smart, hard-working,

determined, entertaining, wild, outgoing, witty, persistent, mischievous, fun, and a great story

teller. He generously gave financial support to many friends and family for years. Wherever he

went, he made an impact and positively influenced many people's lives. He never met a

stranger and kept you on your toes. He had a sparkle in his eyes and a bright smile.

As a skilled carpenter, Roger became a successful home builder learning the trade from his

older brother. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and became a small business owner and

invested in rental properties. This gave him the ability and time to travel. He loved the Lord

Jesus and made Him the center of his life. He focused on spreading the gospel, using his

talents to take on church-building projects, and supporting the church in every way he could.

He and Louise opened their home to everyone and hosted gatherings of all ages. For years at

Thanksgiving, they hosted many international students. They also hosted young people's

gatherings where the kids could play volleyball in their beautiful backyard. In his final days, he

was still spreading the good news and bringing a smile and laughter to everyone with his quick

wit, funny songs, and upbeat attitude.

Roger and Louise lived an active and adventurous life. They went on countless trips together

such as a seven-day rafting trip down the Owyhee River in Oregon on a raft he designed and

built. He enjoyed fishing trips along the Pacific NW Coast, including boat camping on the

Columbia River and Puget Sound. They enjoyed several deep-sea fishing trips in Alaska.

Roger was an avid hunter, hunting deer, elk, and moose. He enjoyed many hunting trips with his

friends and nephews in Canada on horseback.

When his children were grown, he and Louise traveled the world. They often traveled with their

church friends, visiting churches in many countries. He loved fellowshipping, learning the

cultures, touring the cities, but most of all he loved the people he met. Among the places they

traveled were Russia, Israel, Taiwan, Europe, New Zealand, Brazil, Malaysia, El Salvador,

Honduras, Australia, Philippines, Belize, Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska.

He will be deeply missed. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Ruth DeVries, and

Brenda Fuchs (Greg); daughter-in-law Aurora Smelser; son, Loren Smelser (Amanda),

grandchildren: Philip Smelser (Ayumi), Joshua Smelser, Karen Coleman (Daniel), David

DeVries, Mark DeVries (Brittany), Brian DeVries (Danielle), Jana Telleen (Merrill), Eric Smelser,

Andrew Smelser, Carrie Townsdin (Brent), Katie Fuchs, and Lindsey Fuchs; great grandchildren:

Cash DeVries, Calaiah DeVries, Jude DeVries, Sonorah DeVries, Clara DeVries, Ashley

DeVries, Henry Telleen, Shepherd Townsdin, and James Russell. He was preceded in death by his

son, Dan Smelser and wife, Louise Smelser.