Roger Dale Garman

Roger Dale Garman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on January 16, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. Born on April 20, 1940, in Adams County, Ohio, and a proud graduate of Bryan High School in Yellow Springs, class of 1959.

Roger retired from General Motors after 35 years of employment. He was actively involved in the Xenia Old Timers Club and traveled with his wife and family. He enjoyed walking with his dogs and watching westerns, often in the company of his cat.

He is remembered as a generous and respected friend, mentor, and loved one. Roger especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, which brought him immense joy. He had a passion for woodworking, boating, camping, and gardening. Some of his proudest accomplishments include the construction of several additions to his home, an impressive rock wall, and the decks he built on his property on the Ohio River. The days he spent along the banks of the Ohio River with family and friends were some of his most cherished.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Carole L. Garman; their children, Scott (Susan) Garman, Lori (Michael) Wright, and Kathrine Cooper; and his cherished grandchildren, Leslie (Samuel) Clark, Megan (Bryan) Perez, Kevan Wright, Dane Cooper, and Ben Cooper. Roger also celebrated the joy of being a great-grandfather to Emmett Clark, Maria Perez, and Winsley Clark. He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Nickoson; brother-in-law, Ronnie (Neva) Faul; sister-in-law, Bonnie Templeton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ethel Garman, and his brothers, Jess Garman, Eugene Garman, and C.J. Garman and an Infant Daughter Christina Garman. His legacy of love, service, and devotion will remain in the hearts of those who knew him as they remember the many ways he touched their lives.

A Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 4:00pm, at First Church of Christ, 441 Ledbetter Road, Xenia, Ohio, 45385.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Old Timers Club, P.O. Box 742, Yellow Springs, OH, 45387.

To share a memory of Roger or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.

"God took the strength of a mountain,

the majesty of a tree.

The warmth of a summer sun,

the calm of a quiet sea.

The generous soul of nature,

the comforting arm of night.

The wisdom of the ages,

the power of the eagle’s flight.

Then God combined these qualities,

there was nothing more to add.

His masterpiece was now complete,

He lovingly called it, Dad."