Roger C. Wilson

Roger Calvin Wilson, age 76, went to be with his Lord on March 1, 2015. He was born into the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ on August 17, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan, son of the late Theodore and Eva (Foster) Wilson.

Roger grew up in Haslett, Michigan and graduated from Haslett High School in 1956. He served with the Michigan National Guard for four years. After high school he married his high school sweetheart, Janice (McCumby) in 1958 in Lansing, Michigan. He went on to study at Michigan State University and graduated in 1961 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Police Administration.

Roger was a devout disciple of the Lord and a witness to everyone he met. He was a respected leader within his church as he served in various roles including Elder, Trustee, Stewardship Chair, and Chairman of the Board throughout his lifetime.

Roger was proud of his 38 years of involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. He started his journey as a cub scout, soon after became a boy scout, and ultimately earned the prestigious rank of Eagle. As an adult he continued to serve in various roles including Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Ramrod of Eager Beavers at Northwood Scout Ranch, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood member, Troop committee member, regional camp inspection team member, and C.O.C. Board of Directors.

Roger spent 40 years working in the insurance field and 21 years teaching at the Robert M. Perry School of Banking at Central Michigan University. He started as an insurance investigator and claims adjuster with Citizens Mutual Insurance Company and Safeco Insurance Company. He then joined Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company, where he specialized in arson and workman’s compensation loss investigations. He later served as the Michigan representative for Financial Insurance Services, a company which specialized in insurance products and services for banks. In 1985 he formed his own company, known as R&S Insurance Agency, through which he served as a financial institution security and risk management consultant. In 1996 the Burnham Insurance Group acquired the agency and Roger continued to work as a consultant until his retirement in 2000.

Roger spent the next 15 years enjoying retirement by traveling with his wife throughout the West. He would spend months planning the route they would take to follow the lives of his favorite historical figures including Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Bonnie and Clyde. Their favorite places to visit included Tombstone, AZ, Lincoln County, NM, Biloxi, MS, and various other ghosttowns in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Roger lived a robust and blessed life and he will be remembered for his love for the Lord. He found joy in a 7 year project of building the family log home on a 13 acre ranch which he named Faith Farms, camping with friends and family, hunting, taking numerous vacations with his wife, children, and grandchildren, golfing, raising livestock, attending 4-H events, and researching the Civil War.

Roger was a loving husband, nurturing father, cherished grandfather, and dear friend to all. Surviving are his wife of 56 years Janice Wilson; son, Rod (Carla) Wilson and grandchildren Valerie Wilson, Sam Wilson, Annie Wilson, and Jack Wilson; daughter, Laurie (Bryan) Miller and grandchildren Jennifer (Tony) Cena, Julie Miller, and Katelyn Miller; son, Russell (Lynn) Wilson and grandchildren Ted Wilson and Tara Wilson; brother Roderick (Beverly) Wilson; and many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

Roger’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at a memorial service held at 11 am on Friday, March 6, 2015 at First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Rd., Lansing, Michigan. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Michigan, and preceding the memorial service from 10-11 am at First Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Michigan Special Olympics Area 8 or Capital Area Humane Society.

On-line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com