Roger Lee Wilhite

Roger Lee Wilhite, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Taswell, IN surrounded by his family on Monday, October 13, 2025 after a prolonged battle with many health issues.

Roger was born in Uniontown, KY on March 8, 1944 to the late Ira Lee Tincher and Alberta Elizabeth Sillings. Roger was never able to know his father Ira because Ira was called into service in the Army and was Killed in Action on July 7, 1944 during the Battle of the Hedgerows in WWII. Much later in life, Roger was finally able to reconnect with the Tincher family, becoming friends with some of his first cousins. Alberta eventually remarried to Norbert (Buck) Sillings who became like a father to Roger. Roger married the love of his life, Gina Montgomery, on April 15, 1978 in Newton Steward, IN. Theirs was a long and happy marriage, filled with love and laughter.

Roger was a hard working man, working as a mechanic nearly all of his life until his retirement a few years ago. He will be remembered as someone with a kind heart. He also had a sense of humor, and enjoyed corny jokes. He enjoyed fishing and metal detecting. He was a member of the Down 'n Dirty Diggers metal detecting club for many years, winning the find of the month award twice. He loved his family. His wife, kids, and grandkids were his world.

Roger proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan, guarding a Hawk missile air defense base. Roger was proud of his service, and loved bringing joy to other fellow veterans at the VA Hospital in Louisville, KY, as well as Southern Indiana Rehab, often dressing up as Santa Claus to spread joy during the Christmas season.

Roger had been talking to Jesus for quite awhile and had recently professed his faith in Jesus for salvation, much to the joy of his family.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Randall Wilhite and Bobby Wilhite; sisters: Donna Howard, Connie Bunch, and Sharon Jordan; a grandson: Anthony Denton;

Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Gina Wilhite; children: Brenda Wilhite, Patty Springfield (Willie) and Michael Wilhite (Amanda); grandchildren: Scott Wilhite, James Wilhite, Terry Jr. Denton, Noah Sprouls, Kylar Wilhite, Raven Wilhite, Levi Sprouls, Zoe Wilhite; a niece who was far more like a sister: Marietsa Haskins; mother-in-law: Opal Montgomery; brother-in-law: Terry Montgomery; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 A.M EST at Denbo Funeral Home in English, IN, with Rev. Michael Wilhite officiating. Burial and military rites will follow at Taswell Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M until 8:00 P.M on Thursday, October 16, 2025, and from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday.

Online condolences can be made at www.denbo-dillmanfuneralhomes.com

Denbo Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Roger Wilhite.

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