Roger Raymond Tobias

Roger Raymond Tobias, aged 71, of Carlton Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 1, 2010 at Blodgett Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids following a brief illness. Roger was born in Hastings, MI on August 1, 1938 to Raymond and Dora (Thomas) Tobias. He attended Woodland schools and was active in FFA, as well as playing varsity baseball and football. Roger began working on the family farm at an early age. Roger was united in marriage to Carol Sawdy on May 2, 1955 and began working at Keeler Brass in Lake Odessa at the age of 17. He later worked at E. W. Bliss as a journeyman molder and core maker until the foundry was closed. Roger then went to work at the Montgomery Ward's warehouse in Grand Ledge as the head of shipping and receiving until the warehouse closed. Roger then began his own business of lawn care and office cleaning, and also worked for the Village of Freeport as the DPW manager, and served as cemetery sexton for Freeport, Fuller, Carlton Center, and Woodland Cemeteries. While on a train/canoe trip into the Canadian wilderness as a young Boy Scout, Roger was inspired to later devote countless hours and days as a Boy Scout Troop Leader with Woodland Boy Scouts #109 to help area youth enjoy the same wonderful experiences he had. Roger also devoted his time as a Pony League baseball coach. Though the wins were few, the malts and parfaits at Classic's Drug Store in Woodland made everyone a winner. Roger's hobbies included taxidermy, fur trapping, fishing, camping, swimming, bowling, dancing with friends, country music, gardening, and watching the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Spartans. He had a special love for his dogs, and will be missed by Bailey and Chloe. Roger's grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved watching them participate in their sporting events! He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers; and his sister, Barbara. Roger is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 55 years; children, Greg (Gail) Tobias, Cathy Tibble (Jim Dingman), and Diann (Gregg) Davis; grandchildren, Nate (Melissa) Tobias, Clint (Angie) Tobias, Justin (Christy) Tibble, Cody Tibble (Chelsey Holtman), Joe Davis, and Jeff (Dallas) Davis; and great grandchildren, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Dylan, Brianna, Derek, and Eastin. In keeping with Roger's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Celebration of his life will be held at a later date. The family has suggested that memorial contributions may be made to the Lakewood Athletic Association, or Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary. Funeral Service Sunday May 02 2010 Koops Funeral Chapel 935 Fourth Ave. Lake Odessa, MI (616) 374-8221