Roger A. Hegemier, 76, of Wapakoneta, died at 10:30 p.m. April 18, 2009, at his residence.

He was born June 8, 1932, in Auglaize County to August F. and Esther L. Roediger Hegemier. On June 13, 1954, he married Carol M. Meyers, who survives.

Other survivors are two sons, Craig Hegemier, Van Wert, and Kurt (Tammy) Hegemier, Wapakoneta; three brothers, Donald (Marie) Hegemier, Wapakoneta, David (Virginia) Hegemier, New Knoxville, and Rolland Hegemier, St. Marys; four grandchildren and five stepgrandchildren.

Deceased are a brother and sister-in-law, William and Charlene Hegemier.

He farmed and worked at the former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, St. Marys, before establishing the Hegemier Tire Service in Wapakoneta and Van Wert. His family also operated the former Hegemier BP Service Center, in St. Marys for a number of years. He graduated in 1950 from St. Marys Memorial High School, where he played baseball. He later played for the Pittsburgh Pirates farm team prior to being drafted by and playing professionally for the Philadelphia Phillies as a pitcher. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Wapakoneta Country Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE) and Fraternal Order of Eagles, all in Wapakoneta, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, Lakeview.

Services are 1 p.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Mark A. Bauer officiating. Burial is at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys, and one hour prior to service Friday at the church.

Contributions can be made to the church or the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Dystrophy.

Condolences can be left at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.