Roger G. Lile

Roger G. Lile, 84, of Dover, passed away at Ohio’s Hospice Truman House on December 25, 2024.  

He was born on January 3, 1940, to the late William “Sonny” and Gladys (Youngen) Lile in New Philadelphia.

Roger graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1958 and attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served in the Army Intelligence Corp for three years and received the U.S. Army Commendation medal upon completing his service in 1966. Through the GI Bill, he finished his undergraduate degree and earned his J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1970. Roger’s law career began as an Assistant Prosecutor for Tuscarawas County; he also was an attorney at the private firm of Connolly, Hillyer & Lile and a county court judge in Uhrichsville. He was elected judge of Common Pleas Court in Tuscarawas County, a position he held from 1980-1998. Before fully retiring in 2008, he was a visiting judge for cases in a number of Ohio counties.  

Roger’s deep commitment to serving his community began early in his life, starting with Boy Scouts. He became an Eagle Scout as a teenager and received the organization’s highest honor—the “Silver Beaver” award—in 1982 for his continued leadership. Camp Tuscazoar was a beloved place, and he was a counselor and aquatics director during college summer breaks. He visited Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico several times in retirement. 

In 1978, Roger was appointed to the Kent State Tuscarawas Board of Trustees, a role he treasured for more than 40 years. Viewing education as a great equalizer, he found deep fulfillment in working with fellow trustees to grow and strengthen our community’s campus. He was actively involved in the creation of its Performing Arts Center and attended many shows every season.  

Roger was a life-long member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he taught an adult Sunday School class, served as Council President, and was a frequent lector and greeter. After Hurricane Katrina, he and Marcia participated in six of the church’s mission trips to rebuild homes in New Orleans.  

Roger’s parents instilled in him a love of travel; during summer breaks, he and his siblings would pack into the car for road trips around the country. While working on the bench he rarely took off more than one week each year for a family trip to the Outer Banks, but in retirement he and Marcia traveled the world, going to New Zealand, Australia, China, Russia, and several European countries. They also joined friends and siblings/siblings-in-law on trips to Hawaii, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and the Caribbean. Maui was a favorite and frequent destination in later years.  

An eloquent public speaker, Roger was often asked to deliver speeches and invocations at local events. His last speaking engagement was at the 2019 Quaker Foundation Recognition Banquet. While accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award, he shared the five personal habits that had made a difference in his life: make your bed every morning; be a saver; be charitable; be a life-long learner; and have a daily discussion with your creator.  

In his free time, Roger built beautiful pieces of furniture in his meticulously organized workshop, listened to his extensive library of classical music, read historical nonfiction, and golfed with friends.  

He is survived by his wife Marcia (Ray) Lile, to whom he was married for 58 years; children Todd (Elaine) Lile and Jennifer Lile; granddaughters McKenna and Samantha Lile; great-grandson Greysen Coyne; sister Kathy (Lile) Clymer; as well as several brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Brett, Gaye Lynn, and Richard Lile; parents-in-law Gervais and Helen (Ford) Ray; and son-in-law Don Prues. 

The family will greet guests in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. A memorial service celebrating Roger’s life will be held in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11 AM where members of the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 will render military honors following the service. 

The family encourages memorial contributions, instead of floral tributes, to be directed to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church 202 E High, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.