Roger Allen Akers, age 71 of Lafayette, passed away surrounded by his loving family at 1:16 AM Friday May 29, 2026 in Franciscan Health Lafayette East Hospital.

He was born in Clinton, IN on January 18, 1955, son of the late Robert L. and Phyllis Jean Clark Akers. Roger was raised in Rockville and graduated from Rockville High School in 1973. He married Karen Joy Simms in Lafayette February 22, 1975 and she survives.

After graduating high school he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served a total of 21 years with the Army, Air Force and later the Army National Guard. In 1996 he volunteered for deployment to Bosnia for a year, an experience he proudly served. After his military career, Roger was a bus driver for Lafayette City Bus for 17 years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He made an impact on many passengers over the years and would go out of his way to assist and be a friend to many. Roger developed a special friendship with Dr. Tianfang Han and Dr. Danyang Zhang while driving his bus. They shared many special times together over the years with travel, meals and life experiences. He was a busy guy, liked to ‘tinker’, always on the go and worked a variety of odd jobs over the years. He enjoyed mowing with his John Deere tractor on their small farm near Darlington, as well as nurturing a flower garden there.

Most of all, Roger was proud of his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them. He kept busy attending school activities, sports and was always there to lend a hand. He was a quiet, humble man with a dry-sense of humor which endeared him to all. He enjoyed cooking, going out to eat, traveling, YouTube videos, and loved his coffee. By nature, Roger was a caring, giving man who often quietly helped people in need.

Surviving along with his wife Karen are: his children; Charles ‘Chuck’ Allen Akers (Raeanna) of Crawfordsville, Stacey Jean Shotts of New Palestine and Andrew Joseph Akers of Lafayette. Grandchildren: Tyler Shultz, Austin Shotts, Alaina Shotts, Chloe Akers, Ethan Akers, Kylie Akers, Liam Akers, Dylan Akers, Haley & Megan Nicoson. His siblings; Mary Alice (Shorty) Gregg, Lora Jane Noel, Ronald (Marcia) Akers, Sally (Walt) McArty, Rusty (Shelly) Akers and Vera Akers all of Rockville.A brother-in-law Steven Simms, several nieces/nephews and a large community of friends also survive. Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Mother and Father-in-Law Delores and Charles Simms, brother-in-law Harold Noel and sister-in-law Terri Simms.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate and one hour prior to funeral services at the funeral home, 1:00 PM Thursday, June 4, with Pastor Nate Chambers officiating. Burial will follow in Waynetown Masonic Cemetery, with graveside military honors by Crawfordsville American Legion #72 Post Honor Guard. Memorial contributions in Roger’s memory are preferred to the Veterans Memorial Park at the Crawfordsville American Legion grounds. To sign the guest book or share a condolence, visit us on line at www.familyandfriendsfh.com

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