Roger Allen Drudge, 74, of Columbia City, passed away suddenly at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at his home.

Born on May 17, 1949 in Warsaw, Indiana, he was a son of Harley Maynard and Ruth Wiladene (Blickenstaff) Drudge.  Growing up in the Warsaw area, he attended Silver Lake Elementary School and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1967.

He was married to Michelle's mother Fahriye (Has) Drudge for several years, then on July 2, 1999 he was united in marriage to Lynne M. Harris. The couple made their home in Tri Lakes, Columbia City.  Lynne died June 12, 2019.

On August 17, 1967 he entered the United States Air Force as a security policeman.  He advanced to Chief Master Sergeant as an air transportation coordinator, and was honorably discharged March 1997.

After leaving the Air Force he worked as a director in safety and maintenance at the Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital.

He enjoyed mushroom hunting, travelling, fishing and lake life.  He was also a basketball fan and an avid foodie, and really enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

His awards were many and include, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Airforce Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the South West Asia Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, the NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon, the Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, the Asia Force Training Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Italian Medal of Merit.

He was also a member of the American Legion and a USO supporter.

Surviving is his daughter, Michelle A.  Drudge of Fort Wayne; step-daughter, Stefanie Branning; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Fisher, Grady, Rory and Soren Branning and Naomi, Erik and Ayda Harris; sisters, Elaine Rager of Fort Wayne and Marilyn Sterk of Claypool.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fahriye; step-son, Riley Harris and a sister, Peggy Boggs.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6th at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with military honors.  Visitation is from Noon until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Roger's honor are to Tunnels to Tower Foundation to help American Heroes or the Wounded Warriors Project.