Roger Herman Ingram

Roger Herman Ingram, 82, of Owensboro, Kentucky (formerly of Salem, Oregon) died on January 10, 2024 at the Western Kentucky Veterans Regional Center in Hanson, Kentucky after a lengthy military service-connected illness. Proudly he was a fifth generation Oregon Pioneer son, with descendants traveling both the Oregon trail and by Ship to their new home in Oregon. He was born in Albany, Oregon on December 9, 1941 to the late William Burl Ingram and Wilma Loraine (Seehale) Ingram. He was retired from being a self-employed financial advisor. Roger was past president for Open Door Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Owensboro, Kentucky, Biznet, a business network group, Salem, Oregon and the founder of the Coffee Party, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Roger graduated from Albany High School in 1960. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Linfield University in McMinnville Oregon. After his military career Roger earned his Master's Degree in Psychology from Ball State University Muncie, Indiana.
Roger enlisted in the US Air Force for Officers training in 1966 serving 9 years in the military. During this time, he was assigned to 3rd Air Force where he earned the rank of Captain. He fought in the Vietnam War 1968-69. Later he was stationed in Spain and England, and was Honorable discharged in 1974. Roger was exposed to Agent Orange while in Vietnam and died of service-connected diseases, chronic kidney failure and Alzheimer's. During his retirement he was a member of the following military organization: Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled Veterans of America.
Roger's greatest love was his family and friends; however, reading and music were his passions. His love for books spread over the following genres: History, Biography, Science, Physics, Astronomy, Religion and Political to name a few. It was the same with his love of music.
Roger's greatest accomplishment was the organizing and coordinating of the "Coffee Party of Owensboro" in 2012. He organized the Coffee Party on the premise of creating a safe environment for a group of people to come together weekly for a friendly, civil, respectful discussion on a myriad of topics local, state or national while creating a forever bond of friendship among the members.
In addition to his parents Roger was preceded in death by his beloved sister and brother-in-law Fern Ann Ingram and Bill Hilts, nieces Diane Hilts Jacobsen and Molly Cliff Hilts and step son Christopher T. Rogers.
The loving family left to cherish his memory include the love of his life and wife of 29 years, Barbara Reynolds Rogers Ingram, His children Jodi Ingram (Mike) Manore, William Burl Ingram (Gypsy) and Shannon Rogers (Chris) Lindsey. 12 grandchildren whom were his pride and joy Kindall Manore and fiancé Sean Tourville of Longwood, Florida, Riley Ingram of Garland, Texas, Justin and Mia Hale of Austin, Texas, Jessica and Adam Austin of Calhoun, Kentucky, Sawyer Lindsey of Sacramento. Ky, Nicole and Curt Clements of Morganfield, Kentucky, Erica and Justin Summer of Owensboro, Kentucky. Great grandchildren Allie, Ava and Hayse Austin, Madelyn and Dallas Reynolds, Reid and Wesley Clements and William Douglas Hale. Also, special biological nieces and nephews Rick and Barbara Hilts of Salem, Oregon and their daughter Ellyn (Nathan) Bruce of Redding, California, David Hilts and his sons Wade and Dane (Dulce) of Portland, Oregon and Jeff and Gloria Hilts of Salem, Oregon, Nephew Kirk Jacobson of Sisters, Oregon and his son Drew of Seattle, Washington. There is always extended family and friends along with these above that will continue to miss his infectious smile and sense of humor.
A Celebration Ceremony of Roger's life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 'The Spot Coffee and Finery', 217 Williamsburg Square, Owensboro, Kentucky, from 3pm-5pm. The family invites all family and friends to come celebrate Roger and visit with them. Light refreshments will be provided for everyone following the Celebration Ceremony.
The Entombment will be in Salem, Oregon at Mt. Crest Abbey Mausoleum in City View Cemetery.
The family would like to give a very special thank you to the administrative staff, and especially the staff and nurses at the Roosevelt Cottage at The Western Kentucky Veterans Center Hanson, Kentucky where Roger was a resident for illness and comfort care for his final days and to Amy Chappell whom was his in-home caregiver. We are so thankful and grateful for the compassion shown Roger and the family during this time.
Expressions of sympathy maybe written online through City View Funeral Home Website …www.cityviewfh.com.