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Roger Grey Blackmore

Roger Grey Blackmore, 83, of New Vienna, Highland County, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Montgomery, Hamilton County. 

He was born Nov. 26, 1939 in Piqua, Miami County, the son of the late Virgil Gray and Delores (Rittenhouse) Blackmore. 

Virgil and Delores moved to the farm in the New Vienna area in the early 1940s with their children Shirley and Roger. He attended the New Vienna School System and graduated in 1957. During his high school years, he was a member of the FFA and participated in the ballroom dance class, the class play his junior and senior years and the minstrel cast his sophomore year.

Roger grew up working on his father’s farm and enjoyed driving the tractors and tending to the livestock. He worked the farm for many years, including the period of time when his father was ill with cancer and after his passing. In July of 1957, Roger enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served on the U.S.S. Tidewater and trained to be a machinist. His naval career ended in July of 1963 as a reservist. 

Roger married Barbara Williams on March 28, 1962, and they had one child, Tonya Rae. In later years, Roger and Barbara were involved with the Mt. Olive Church of Christ, the church in which he grew up. Before his eyesight deteriorated, he enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Bengals and NASCAR. His favorite driver was Bill Elliott, and later, Chase Elliott. 

Roger is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and her husband Ed Lewber; his grandchildren, Holly (Larry Thompson) Hockstok, Caleb (Dinah Campbell) Lewber and Bryan Davis; and great-grandchildren, Abigail Hockstok, Elias Hockstok, KayLee Thompson, Skyler, Eddie, Cameron and Mason Lewber. Roger also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members and lifelong friends who will remember him always. 

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, who passed away May 13, 2019; and his sister, Shirley Blackmore Borden. 

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Church of Christ. Kenny Zugg will officiate. Burial will follow in the New Vienna I.O.O.F. Cemetery.  Friends may call Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Olive Church of Christ, P.O. Box 147, New Vienna, Ohio 45159.   

The Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.
 

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