Submitted by: Dan Rich

Roger E. Favorite

Jan. 9, 1925 - July 14, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/16/2008
MISHAWAKA - Roger E. Favorite, 83, of Mishawaka, passed away Monday afternoon, July 14, 2008, in his home. Roger was born January 9, 1925, in Huntington, Indiana, the son of Wallace and Marie (Brown) Favorite. He grew up on the family dairy farm near Huntington and graduated from Huntington Township High School. Roger served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from August 1943 to December 1945. He attained the rank of corporal and was held as a POW during his time of service. Roger then attended Ball State University where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa.

On August 18, 1951, in Huntington, Roger married Elizabeth "Betty" Becker. That same year the couple moved to Mishawaka because Roger had taken a job with School City of Mishawaka. He taught at LaSalle and Battell Elementary Schools and was a counselor and teacher at Mishawaka High School. Roger served as principal at Main Junior High and later at John Young School. Roger was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Mishawaka, serving as Elder, Deacon, Trustee and Sunday School Teacher, and was a member of the choir for 50 years. He was a member of the Mishawaka Kiwanis Club, serving as president in 1975 - 1976. Roger was a board member of the Camp Fire Girls Association, the YMCA and the St. Joseph County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. He was a life member of the NEA, and at one time served as president of the Mishawaka Educational Association. Roger was camp chair of Hazelhurst Camp near Harbert, Michigan, as well as being president of the Prairie Club Association. He also sang in the Michiana Men's Chorus. Roger was a talented woodworker and carpenter, and an avid flower gardener. Roger's family was an important part of his life. His surviving family includes his wife of nearly 57 years, Betty; five daughters, Janice Smith of Sacramento, California, Susan (Stanley) May of Mishawaka, Sharon (James) Lemler of Evanston, Illinois, Patricia "Patty" (William) Ritchie of Omaha, Nebraska, and Margaret "Peggy" (Ed Lausch) Favorite of Lafayette; a sister, Ann (Harlo) Ferris of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; and 12 grandchildren. Roger was preceded in death earlier this year by a granddaughter, Becky May Kelch.

Friends may spend time with Roger's family on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka. Memorial services celebrating Roger's life and faith will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, 401 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka, with Pastor Mary Ann Banning leading the services. A private burial will be at a later date in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Contributions in Roger's memory may be made to the Mishawaka Kiwanis Club Scholarship Fund or to First Presbyterian Church. Envelopes are available in the funeral home and at the church.