Roger Norman Klassy

Roger Norman Klassy, 83, of Evansville, Ind., passed away at 10:50 am, Saturday, July 3, 2010 at VNA Charlier Hospice Center.

Roger was born April 17, 1927 in Wisconsin, the son of Eugene and Bertha Klassy. He was a member of Bethel United Church of Christ. He was a 1945 graduate of Bosse High School, where he played four years on the varsity football team and was All City honorable mention. He received a football scholarship to Mississippi State University and attended his freshman year until he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He worked for his father in the family business, Klassy Homes, and built his first home at age 14. Roger continued the family business after his father's death. From 1986 through 1988 he worked with Habitat for Humanity and donated the lumber and the lot for the 1st Habitat home in Evansville. Roger served on the Redevelopment Commission under Mayor Russell G. Lloyd and was a past president of the Evansville Home Builders Association. He was a member and a past president of the Lions Club and was a Kentucky Colonel. Roger was an avid fisherman, a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Rose (Orr) Klassy of Evansville [Bosse Class of 1946], daughters, Cynthia L. Klassy of Evansville, Susan E. Staalenburg (Joe) of Newburgh, Teresa L. Collins of Evansville and Carolyn M. Klassy of Evansville, son, Roger Eugene Klassy (Tammy) of Evansville, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Klassy Evans.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel - 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville with Reverend Dr. Joseph Fraccaro officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 pm until 8 pm, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: VNA Charlier Hospice, 610 E. Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708.

July 05, 2010
So many fun fishing memories with Roger and Roger when I was a teen.
Steve Williams, Evansville, Indiana

July 5, 2010
My fondest childhood memory of Uncle Roger was his welcoming smile and the pleasant smell of his pipe tobacco. I wish his family grace during their time of sorrow.
Anne Hancock Butler, Fort Collins, Colorado

July 5, 2010
Carolyn, Sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth Hale, Evansville, IN

July 5, 2010
Even though I have not seen Uncle Roger for quite some time, I will always remember how much I loved the smell of his pipe. My deepest sympathies.
Love Rosemary (Hancock) Cox, Indianapolis, IN

July 5, 2010
Though many years have passed I still remember Roger, from the neighborhood - I grew up on Norman Avenue - and, High School - Bosse, Class of '47. Just imagine how his memory will live on through his children, and their children, who have had the honor of knowing him all of their lives. Ruth, may the peace of God be with you and your family.
John Heines, Tyler, TX

July 5, 2010
My condolences to all of your family for your loss. Let me know if I can do anything for you.
Bill Seits, Evansville, Indiana

July 5, 2010
Roger -Tammy & family, While we did not personally know Mr Klassy. We do have the honor of knowing his legacy he left behind and he sure did raise a wonderful family to carry on his fine name. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with you all.
Bill & Marcie Setzer, Owensboro KY