Roger L. Perry, 72, of Decatur, Illinois, took the road to glory on March 24, 2026, while surrounded by his loved ones at Memorial Hospital in Decatur.

Roger was born on April 27, 1953, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Myron and Faye Perry. He was raised in Decatur, Illinois, where he attended Lakeview and Mount Zion High Schools, graduating in 1971.

Early in life, Roger worked in construction building houses and also worked part-time as a pre-loader for United Parcel Service. He later became a UPS package car driver, serving Decatur and the rural routes of Shelbyville for 32 years, with a total of 37 years of service.

On July 8, 1978, he married Jacqueline (Jackie) Sue Gaither, and together they made their home on the west end of Decatur for the next 48 years. There they raised their three very good-looking children, Ryan, Jared, and Katie, so their children could attend Warrensburg-Latham schools.

Roger greeted everyone with a smile and a hello like no other. His laugh was just as unforgettable. If you stopped by the neighborhood, he was always ready to welcome you in to watch a Cubs game and enjoy a cold beverage in the garage.

He spent much of his life providing for his family and attending his children’s sporting events, which later turned into chasing around and cheering on his grandchildren. He was a steady and patient father who rarely raised his voice, and when he did have something to say, everyone knew it truly mattered. His smile was contagious, and along with his laugh, Roger could light up a room more than words ever could.

Over the years, he enjoyed his Friday night bowling league, playing cards, golfing, fishing, reading, watching the Chicago Bears, Fighting Illini and Chicago Cubs, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. After retiring from UPS, he spent 14 more years with the Illinois Heartland Library System, delivering the very books he loved to read.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Faye Perry; grandparents; and daughter-in-law, Krista Schwartz.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie (Gaither) Perry; sons, Ryan (Bobbi) and Jared Perry; daughter, Katie (Josh) Slaughterback; 14 grandchildren, Zane, Kade, Jace, Tage, Haze, Shiloh, Gabe, Bianca, Tristan, Ava, Reyna, Piper, Quinn, and Rubey; brother, Randy (Monica) Perry; in-laws, Willy and Farrell Trout; sister-in-law, Judy (Les) Jenkins; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Harristown Village Hall at 185 N. Kembark St., Decatur, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veterans of Log Base Seitz, P.O. Box 36, Mt. Zion, IL 62549, and Hillside Bethel Christian, 3575 E. Greenhill Rd., Decatur, IL 62521.