Roger Lee Traxler

 Roger Lee Traxler, 92, of Tryon passed away October 28, 2017 at White Oak Manor in Tryon. He was born in Painesville, OH, the son of the late Hayes and Eunice Page Traxler.

Roger lived a full and meaningful life.  In 1943, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in the V-12 program and was sent to Bucknell University. He received a second commission in 1945. After discharge in 1946, he completed his studies at Bucknell where he graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1949.  He was recalled to the Marine Corps in 1952 and was ultimately discharged as Captain in 1954.

Roger spent the majority of his career as an engineer with Scott Paper Company, where he worked for 34 years. For the last 17 years of his career, he was a Technical Specialist in the International Division where he traveled the world as he assisted with the startup of 23 plants in 18 countries. He retired in 1987 as Operations/Technical Specialist in Wallingford, PA before moving to Tryon, NC in 1988.

Roger embodied a sense of community from a young age, participating in service and social organizations throughout his life.  This calling followed him well into retirement, where he served his community by volunteering for Hospice and working on the construction crew for Habitat for Humanity.  He held positions on several local boards including those of St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, Tryon Fine Arts Center (president), Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, and American Red Cross.

Roger lived his faith and lovingly served with his time and talents. He was a member of the Congregational Church where he served as Trustee for three years, President of the Congregation (1993), and President of the Church Council for three years.

Those with the good fortune to know him will not only remember the positive impact he had on his community, but also his bright smile, sharp wit, endless trivia knowledge (especially when it came to sports) and love of music.

Preceding him in death was his wife of 50 years, Irene Mullaney Traxler. Roger is survived by his wife, Mimi Child Traxler as well as a daughter, Emily Wenske (James) of Avon Lake, OH; a son, Barry Traxler (Carmen) of Villanova, PA; step children, Beth Child (Rita), William Child (Susan), Bob Child (Martha); five grandchildren: Michael Wenske, Kristin Rickelman (Grant), Page Traxler, William Child and Ellen Child.  He will be dearly missed by his family and the many others who knew and cared for him.

A memorial service will be held 11:00am Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Congregational Church in Tryon, conducted by Pastor Meghan Young.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills or the Congregational Church UCC, which Roger always held dear to his heart.

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