Roger Lee Stich

In Loving Memory of Roger Lee Stich Roger Lee Stich of St. Augustine, Florida, beloved patriarch, loving father, doting grandfather and faithful husband, passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father and Savior on March 16th, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on March 25th, 1933 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Roger was the middle son of Henry L. and Mary A. (Puckette) Stich. His deep Oklahoma roots and pioneering spirit traced back to his mother's family which arrived in Stillwater during the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. Alongside his brothers Donald and Ronald ("Bill"), Roger was raised to value diligent work, integrity and loving family that would guide him throughout his remarkable life. After graduating from Stillwater High School in 1951, Roger's adventurous spirit led him to serve his country in both the Navy and the Air Force before pursuing higher education at Oklahoma A&M (which became Oklahoma State University during his studies). In 1958 he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting, becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1961. Though he briefly ventured into politics on the Tulsa ballot for City Auditor in 1964, Roger's true calling was entrepreneurship. His brilliant business mind and innovative spirit fueled numerous successful ventures throughout his life -- from automatic transmission repair to hotel ownership, oil well investments, satellite dish retail, to commodity trading. Roger's creativity extended beyond business strategies to actual inventions, including a patented adapter for testing rebuilt transmissions, and a modular bed liner system for pickup trucks. His capacity to apply technical knowledge produced multiple computers specifically designed to monitor commodity markets. In 1956, Roger married Patricia Ann Haiges, with whom he welcomed three beloved children: Roger William and Stephen Craig who were born in Tulsa, and Christine Suzanne who came into the world in Norman. Despite his busy professional life which often took him out of state, Roger always made time for family vacations, Boy Scout activities, and weekend trips to Oklahoma's many beautiful lakes. Following the couple's separation in 1979, Roger moved back to Tulsa but remained steadfastly committed to his children, providing unwavering encouragement and support as they pursued their college educations. This period also marked a profound deepening of Roger's Christian faith, which significantly influenced his family. In 1989, Roger found enduring love and companionship with Barbara M. Kraft, who remained his devoted wife for over 35 years. Their blended family welcomed Patricia (Kraft) Leahy and Robert Kraft. In 2009, Roger and Barbara began a new chapter of life in St. Augustine, Florida, their home becoming a gathering place for visits from children and grandchildren, and where they formed many cherished friendships. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roger was a man of many passions. His skilled hands brought beautiful woodworking projects to life, and he took immense pleasure in the meticulous appearance of his lawn. Quick to smile and even quicker to make others smile, Roger's warm presence lit up every room he entered. His strong shoulders carried his grandchildren through countless adventures in parks, along beaches, and around backyards. A natural conversationalist, he delighted in discussions about history, technology and politics, sharing his knowledge while genuinely valuing others' perspectives. Roger is survived by his loving wife Barbara Stich of St. Augustine; his children, Roger W. ("Bill") Stich and wife Lora of Missouri, Stephen Stich of Colorado, and Christine Cooper and husband Len of Oklahoma; his stepdaughter Patricia, her husband Matthew and their sons Jack and Quinn of South Carolina; and his grandchildren Jacob Vandruff and wife Hailey of Texas, Luke Stich of Missouri, Michael Stich of Colorado, and Sydney Stich of Colorado. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his stepson, and his first wife. Roger's legacy of generosity, integrity, humor, and kindness lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. His warm presence and readiness to share a smile will be profoundly missed, but his impact on his family and friends will continue for generations to come. The Celebration of Roger's Life will be held on April 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, Florida, Rev. James Cotton officiating. The Committal will follow at 2:30 PM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU).

Roger Lee Stich

March 25, 1933 - March 16, 2025