Terre Haute, Indiana - TERRE HAUTE - Roger W. DeFries 85, of Terre Haute, IN went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, June 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

He was born in Breckenridge, MN on October 18, 1939 to William and Genevive DeFries, who preceded him in death.

Roger graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory as an engineer on the Polaris Submarine. He then went to work for Hercules, Inc. in Cumberland, MD, and later transferred with the company to Terre Haute, IN. Hercules is where he met his wife, Carol, whom he affectionately called, "Sass."

Carol is still surviving along with other family members including: two sons: Jeffrey DeFries (Rose), Cross Lanes, WV, Scott DeFries (Jessica), Cumberland, MD; two daughters: Amy Sizemore (David), Terre Haute, IN, Susan Adams, Lynn Haven, FL; two brothers: Robert DeFries (Gloria), Glasgow, KY, Marvin DeFries (Debbie), Kingman, AZ; one sister, Betty Evans (Glen), Dalton, MN. Grandchildren surviving are: McKenzi DeFries, Hurricane, WV, Garrett DeFries (Emily), Charlotte, NC, Gavin DeFries, Cumberland, MD, Brittany Armel (Ricky), Paw Paw, WV, Shane Sizemore (Priya), Lexington, KY, Haley Nash (Jonathan), Bloomington, IN, Christian Sizemore (Fay), Carmel, IN, Patrick Sizemore (Mira), Terre Haute, IN, Aaron Adams (Emily), Westminster, CO. Great-grandchildren include: Connor, Blakelynn, Ivan, Ram and Mia.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents: William and Genevive DeFries; one brother, James DeFries (Rose); and sister, Judy Shockley (David).

Roger loved traveling and meeting new people. He and Carol often took long, guided bus tours all around the United States, where they made many new friends that they kept in contact with.

He was also an avid racing fan and attended many events with fellow members of the Murdoc Auto Racing Club.

Roger enjoyed woodworking and perfected his technique in carving wooden pens. He loved gifting them to family and friends.

Roger was a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge 687 West Terre Haute, Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute, and the Zorah Shrine where he actively participated in many fundraising events for the Shriners Children's hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Scottish Rite: 8930 US Hwy 40, Terre Haute, IN 47803 on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 PM with a special time for sharing stories and memories of Roger set for 2:00 PM.

A private burial of the cremains will occur at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital at:

donate.lovetotherescue.org