Roger Buchanan Garver

Roger Buchanan Garver, 96, passed away on Friday July 14, 2017. Roger was born in Ashland Ohio and lived most of his life in Ellet. He graduated from Akron Central High School in 1939. In 1943 he earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from The University of Akron where he was a member of Sigma Tau engineering honor society. He earned his M.B.A. from The University of Akron in 1962. A World War II veteran, he was a First Lieutenant, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division. He was an Infantry Unit Commander in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was a driver on the famous Red Ball Express from Bayeux, France to Brussels, Belgium, and one of the “Iron Men of Metz”. He earned a European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal GO 28 HQ 95th Inf. Div. 45, Purple Heart GO 74 HQ 21st Gen. Hosp. 45. France bestowed upon him the Legion of Honor Medal in gratitude for his efforts in WWII. Roger worked at B.F. Goodrich for 40 years and retired as manager of truck tire development. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Buchanan Garver; brother, Richard Garver; and his wife of 45 years, Barbara Crockett Garver. Roger is survived by his wife of 28 years, Evelyn Garver; sister, Eloise Krausse, children: Jill (James) Nelson, Jacque (James) Rolland, Jeannie (Efrain) Romero, JoAnn (Dennis Bartek) Garver, Dave (Pixie) Kraszewski, Martha (Richard) Jeffries, Paul Kraszewski, Amy (George) Murray and Anne-Marie (John) Lahr. Roger had 18 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Roger adored his father and loved to fish and hunt with him. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing tennis, bowling and golfing. He was a Marshall at the World Series of Golf for 12 years. He and Evelyn traveled to all 50 states and enjoyed many cruises. They also attended yearly reunions of the 95th Infantry Division. Roger was a member of Oak Hill Presbyterian Church for 65 years serving as a Deacon, Elder and Sunday school teacher. To know Roger was to love Roger. The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration on Waterloo Road, Summa Hospice and the aides at Mulberry Gardens for showing care, compassion and love to Roger. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 on Friday, July 21 at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home at 547 Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312, where military honors will be conducted at 7 p.m. by Mogadore VFW Post 8487. A Celebration of Life will be held at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, 2406 Ardwell Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44312, on Saturday, July 22 at 11:15 a.m., with Roger’s grandson, Pastor Joseph Romero officiating. A private burial at Crown Hill Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, donations may be made to Oak Hill Presbyterian Church.