Roger Earl Farlee, 80, of Defiance, passed away on July 22, 2017, at the CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center. 

He was born on August 12, 1936, to Ford and Madonna (Stalhut) in Columbia, OH. A 1954 graduate of Mark Township High School, he is a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving from 1954 to 1956. He married Karen E. Coplin on August 25, 1957, and the couple was blessed with 4 children. He continued his love of learning by earning his Bachelors of Education at Defiance College, a Master of Science in Administration from Indiana University, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics from Bowling Green State University. He also earned his certification as Specialist in Education in Administration, Mathematics and Guidance from BGSU. He had a passion for teaching Math, Physics, English and a little computer programming, serving as a teacher at Hicksville High School, Antwerp High School, Archbold Area Schools, Northwest State Community College, and Defiance College. He also served as Principal for Ridgeville High School and the Alternative Learning Center, as well as Supervisor for Henry County Schools and Superintendent for Tinora High School. He served as Athletic Director for Archbold Area Schools. He was a baseball and basketball coach at Hicksville and basketball coach at Antwerp. He also taught for Masters Driving School and was a tutor for many years. 

He loved attending the annual Payne Church of God Campground meeting and watching Defiance College basketball, as well as traveling, and spent many summers exploring the United States with his family in the motorhome. He was a member of the Defiance First Church of God where he served as an Elder and taught Sunday School and Junior Church. He was a past member of the Elks, Kiwanis, Lions and Eagles member in Defiance. He was a Life Member of the Ohio Education Association, the National Education Association, the Retired Teachers Association, and the Defiance County Teachers Association. He served as a board member of the Defiance County American Red Cross, Defiance College Varsity “D” Board and was a member of the Defiance College Purple and Gold Club. 

In addition to his loving spouse of 59 years, Karen, he is survived by: daughter, Melissa (Mitch) Diemer of Defiance, OH; son, Mitchell Farlee of Columbus, OH; and son-in-law, Zane Zeedyk of Hicksville, OH. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Erin (Jon) Timbrook of Ney, OH; Colby Zeedyk of Longmont, CO; Nathan Zeedyk of Hilton Head Island, SC; Jessica (Nathan) Clark of Pataskala, OH; Jennie (Michael) Ingram of Fort Worth, TX; Ashley (Glenn) Lotz of Defiance, OH; and Chelsea (Dusty) McClellan of Ney, OH; and 9 great-grandchildren. He has one surviving sibling, sister, Vonda Hancock of Defiance, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Michael Farlee, daughter Michele “Shelly” Zeedyk, and brother Alan Farlee.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2017, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, OH, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the First Church of God, Defiance, OH, with Pastors Rick Rufenacht and Larry Kennedy officiating. Interment will take place at Riverview Memory Gardens at 1:30 pm with military graveside services by Defiance VFW Post #3360.

Preferred memorials are to the Payne Camp Meeting of the church of God. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com .