Roger Fredric Meissner
February 21, 1933 – March 31, 2021
Roger Fredric Meissner, 88, of Sun City Center Fla., passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021, in his daughter’s SCC home. His quick wit and tenacity will be greatly missed. He had deep love and pride in his family and was heartbroken when his wife of 67 years, Nancy Fay Meissner, passed away in August 2020.
Roger was born in Indianapolis on February 21, 1933. He grew up in Laporte, Ind., where his father owned the Meissner drug store and soda fountain. Roger and Nancy met while working a summer job during college in Laporte, Ind., and discovered that they had been classmates in the third grade; they had a lifelong connection. Following graduation from the University of Toledo, he started his career as an Army officer in Aviation Materials Command and enjoyed his first assignment in Augsburg and Stuttgart, Germany. He was awarded an Air Medal and a Bronze Star Medal for his service in numerous tours to Vietnam as a helicopter and aircraft pilot. He made models of all the aircraft he flew and was a very proud veteran, always wearing his Army Veteran cap. He completed his MBA from Michigan State University and retired as a Major.
In civilian life, Roger enjoyed a career that started with the Garrett Corporation in Los Angeles, where he worked on a joint venture with Boeing on the SST and was also a consultant to the Army Aviation Material Command on new helicopter design. He embraced the opportunity to work for the St. Louis Symphony as the controller and house manager and enjoyed the side benefit of the musical performances at Powell Symphony Hall with his wife and daughters. Roger next worked at Mosler Safe Company as the director of Capital and Fleet Management in Hamilton, Ohio. While in Hamilton, he was able to enjoy the small-town life that he remembered from his youth, serving as the president of the Hamilton Symphony and tapping his artistic side by creating award winning artwork using his newly discovered welding skills.
Once they were empty nesters, Roger and Nancy took an adventurous route by managing the largest hardware store in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and then as the on-site manager for a beach-front multi-unit vacation rental (enjoying the penthouse view) at Indian Shores, Fla. He returned to the military as an Army recruiter in Michigan City, Ind., and Kingsport, Tenn.
Retired and using SCC as home base, he and his wife travelled extensively around the world. During his 32 years living in SCC, he enjoyed golfing and was a life member of MOAA, Silver Ospreys and the American Legion. As an active member of the computer club, he helped out many people with their technology woes and at Beth-El Ministries he helped farm workers with their taxes. He and Nancy always gave their visiting grandchildren the best Florida adventures! During his final years at Aston Gardens North and then Courtyards, everyone knew Roger as a character and jokester.
Roger leaves his two “girls,” Karen “KC” Chilton of Sun City Center and Kathy Hornak of Houston; his son-in-law and pal, Steve Chilton; and four grandchildren: Brittany “Alex” Chilton, Greg Hornak, Carley Hornak and Tyler Chilton. Roger will rest in eternity in his beloved hometown of LaPorte, Ind., next to Nancy, the love of his life. When leaving his young family for another tour in Vietnam, saying, “Toodle loo ”instead of “Good Bye” ensured we would see him again. Toodle Loo, Roger.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, if you would, please support Alzheimer’s Association at
Roger was born in Indianapolis on February 21, 1933. He grew up in Laporte, Ind., where his father owned the Meissner drug store and soda fountain. Roger and Nancy met while working a summer job during college in Laporte, Ind., and discovered that they had been classmates in the third grade; they had a lifelong connection. Following graduation from the University of Toledo, he started his career as an Army officer in Aviation Materials Command and enjoyed his first assignment in Augsburg and Stuttgart, Germany. He was awarded an Air Medal and a Bronze Star Medal for his service in numerous tours to Vietnam as a helicopter and aircraft pilot. He made models of all the aircraft he flew and was a very proud veteran, always wearing his Army Veteran cap. He completed his MBA from Michigan State University and retired as a Major.
In civilian life, Roger enjoyed a career that started with the Garrett Corporation in Los Angeles, where he worked on a joint venture with Boeing on the SST and was also a consultant to the Army Aviation Material Command on new helicopter design. He embraced the opportunity to work for the St. Louis Symphony as the controller and house manager and enjoyed the side benefit of the musical performances at Powell Symphony Hall with his wife and daughters. Roger next worked at Mosler Safe Company as the director of Capital and Fleet Management in Hamilton, Ohio. While in Hamilton, he was able to enjoy the small-town life that he remembered from his youth, serving as the president of the Hamilton Symphony and tapping his artistic side by creating award winning artwork using his newly discovered welding skills.
Once they were empty nesters, Roger and Nancy took an adventurous route by managing the largest hardware store in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and then as the on-site manager for a beach-front multi-unit vacation rental (enjoying the penthouse view) at Indian Shores, Fla. He returned to the military as an Army recruiter in Michigan City, Ind., and Kingsport, Tenn.
Retired and using SCC as home base, he and his wife travelled extensively around the world. During his 32 years living in SCC, he enjoyed golfing and was a life member of MOAA, Silver Ospreys and the American Legion. As an active member of the computer club, he helped out many people with their technology woes and at Beth-El Ministries he helped farm workers with their taxes. He and Nancy always gave their visiting grandchildren the best Florida adventures! During his final years at Aston Gardens North and then Courtyards, everyone knew Roger as a character and jokester.
Roger leaves his two “girls,” Karen “KC” Chilton of Sun City Center and Kathy Hornak of Houston; his son-in-law and pal, Steve Chilton; and four grandchildren: Brittany “Alex” Chilton, Greg Hornak, Carley Hornak and Tyler Chilton. Roger will rest in eternity in his beloved hometown of LaPorte, Ind., next to Nancy, the love of his life. When leaving his young family for another tour in Vietnam, saying, “Toodle loo ”instead of “Good Bye” ensured we would see him again. Toodle Loo, Roger.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, if you would, please support Alzheimer’s Association at