Roger Hackard April 29, 1943 - April 6, 2024

Roger was born in Burlington, Iowa, April 29, 1943 to parents Garald and Dorothy. Dorothy and Garald, through their home life and hobby business, taught Roger the importance of a strong work ethic. Roger reflected this ethic throughout his life and passed it on to his children. The motto “no worky, no eaty” was a joking reminder of the lesson. Honestly, sometimes we kids didn’t laugh, but we learned.

Roger left Iowa to attend Rolla School of Mines’s mechanical engineering program in Rolla, Missouri. Roger and Janet met at a school mixer between their colleges, and this meeting changed their lives forever. Following college, Roger took a job with Dayco in Springfield, where he worked as a design engineer. He was one of three engineers who designed and patented a belt tensioner for the automatic transmission.

The family (Roger, Jan, Annette, and Marsha) moved to Republic, Missouri, and later purchased a home in Sparta, where son Shadd, joined the family. In their spare time, he and Jan developed one of the first successful U-pick blueberry operations in Missouri, which they operated for over 20 years. He continued to work as an engineer until he retired due to health reasons. Roger credits Jan’s support and meal preparation with beating the health odds following his first heart issue in 1995. Roger didn’t often sit unless it was to power nap. Following retirement, the number of projects increased, and completion was slowed only by his perfectionism and health. One of the projects he was most proud of was the home addition, which he designed and built with little assistance. When Shadd passed away due to an ATV accident, Roger and Jan’s faith in Jesus carried them through their grief and gave them strength to support their family and share Jesus with others. Roger was active at First Baptist Sparta. He served in many ways, from compiling and printing the bulletin to participating in the early stages of the building committee to decide the type of structure and design. COVID forced him to transition to online services, which he continued to enjoy due to his health. With retirement and the location of Annette and Brian’s home, Roger could spend more time with Macayla. Even the mention of her name would make him smile. Over the years, he saw other youth as an extended family, including Jeff, John, and Brad. With increasing age and health concerns, Roger wanted to spend time with family on family trips. The first trip was to Kanab, Utah. It was difficult for him due to severe back pain, but he didn’t let it slow him down much. Three families, including two grandkids and four great-grandkids, were able to come. The second trip was to the Tetons. He was sure it would be his last family trip, and it was his bucket list location. He and Jan left Missouri well ahead to allow them to take their time driving. Macalya traveled with them and was a big help. They stopped in Havre to see Marsha’s new place and the area. Again, his health nearly prevented him from going, but he pushed through. Roger visited with his grandson Shade and his new family from Hawaii. He had not been able to attend the wedding due to medical treatments. Roger left this world to join Jesus in Heaven April 6, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Shadd Roger, who is very likely to be talking with him about building projects.

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

  Funeral services for Roger will be 11:00 A.M., Thursday, April 11, 2024 at First Baptist Sparta. Burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday in the church until service time. Arrangements under the direction and care of Barnes family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at wwwbarnesfamilyfunerals.com.