Roger Chesnutt

Roger Chesnutt

Loving Son, Husband, Father, Cousin, and Friend.

Roger Chesnutt, age 84, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, friendship, and generosity. He was a kind man with a ready smile and a quick wit, known by all who loved him as someone who truly lived his values.

Roger loved the Lord, his family, and his friends deeply. He was married to the love of his life, Dewina ("Dea") Chesnutt, for 52 years before her passing in January 2019. Remarkably, they passed away just seven years and one day apart, a testament to a lifelong bond that endured beyond this life.

He is survived by his beloved and only daughter, Heather Spratt, the light of his life and a proud "daddy's girl" from day one, and her husband, Paul Spratt, whom Roger loved and regarded as a son. He is also survived by many cherished cousins.

Roger was the treasured only child of Clyde and Bernice Chesnutt. He was born after the loss of a brother he never met, who passed away at the age of 12 from rheumatic fever. Roger was a devoted son, visiting his parents daily throughout their lives. His father passed away at age 88, and his mother at the remarkable age of 100.

Family meant everything to Roger. For the final two and a half years of his life, Heather and Paul, along with their two dogs, Harry and Stanley, lived with him to care for him-a priceless gift of time and love that the family will forever cherish.

A lifelong dog lover, Roger and Dea shared their lives with two St. Bernards and two Border Collies over the years. Bailey Louise and Molly Jane were especially well known, accompanying them everywhere. He and Dea also adored Heather and Paul's many dogs, lovingly referring to them as their "grand dogs."

Roger proudly served in the National Guard and was deployed during the 1967 Detroit riots. He was a self-made man with a strong work ethic, founding Roger's Expediting, a successful trucking company that delivered hospital and automotive supplies. He retired in 2010.

Some of Roger's fondest memories involved working alongside his father, who was a milkman for Brown's Creamery in Detroit. As a boy, Roger would ride along on milk routes after school and on weekends. Later in life, he returned the favor by taking his father with him in the truck every day, often speaking of how meaningful that time together was.

Roger maintained lifelong friendships, some dating back to childhood-an uncommon gift at 85 years old and a reflection of the loyal and genuine friend he was.

A true car enthusiast, Roger was a drag racer and an original Woodward cruiser long before the Woodward Dream Cruise existed. He owned many street rods, participated in car shows across the region, and frequently won awards. His greatest labor of love was a fully custom 1948 Cadillac, built over many years with the help of close friends.

He was a member of numerous car clubs and one of the four founding members of The Breakfast Club, a group of car enthusiasts who meet every Saturday morning at the Ram's Horn in Rochester-a group that has grown steadily since its founding.

Roger also enjoyed playing pool and was exceptionally skilled, often playing with friends at the Woodward Warehouse in Royal Oak.

A man of faith, Roger served as a trustee at First Baptist Church of Hazel Park, where he grew up. In retirement, he and Dea were members of Woodside Bible Church.

Roger Chesnutt will be remembered for his faith, devotion to family, loyalty to friends, love of cars and dogs, and the quiet kindness that defined his life. His presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

The family will hold a memorial car show this summer to celebrate Roger's life and passions. Details will be shared at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or an animal rescue of your choice.