(3-14-24) Jay Emergency Medical Service responded to a call at about 4 p.m…Roger V. Hansel (68) Portland was attempting to pull his Chevy pickup truck out of the mud with his Ford garden tractor at a pasture southeast of his property at 3413 W. 100 South. The tractor flipped over, trapping him underneath it.

Hansel’s wife, Pamela, found him pinned under the tractor. and asked her to get help and to remain calm. She told police that her phone was not working and had to walk a quarter of a mile to get a
neighbor’s house (James Lugar) and call emergency personnel. By the time Lugar and Pamela Hansel returned, Roger Hansel did not appear to be breathing.

Hansel was pronounced dead at the scene and it appeared that he had suffocated and possibly had suffered injuries from being crushed.

Obituary

Calling Hours

Roger Hansel

Roger V. Hansel , was a devoted husband and father. He put his family first and tried to make a better life for them than he had growing up.  He attended catholic schools in Cincinnati and graduated from Roger Bacon High School in Ohio, where he excelled.  He met Pam when she was 13 years old and he was 16, at Angelo’s Pizza Parlor in Cincinnati, Ohio.  She told him on that day “when I grow up I am going to marry you”.  They did get married and were for 49 years and had 6 kids. Roger had worked in Real Estate and then enlisted in the Air Force after high school as an aircraft mechanic working on SR 71 and U2, received his commission then went to OTS in San Antonio in 1985 and became a personnel officer..  He earned his Bachelor’s degree while enlisted and later earned his Master’s degree from Golden Gate University.  Through his determination and hard work he moved up in ranks to Captain.  He spent a lot of time working on the Freedom of Information Act, which he personally developed several policies.  He served 20 years in the Air Force, retired, then spent some years teaching at universities in Kentucky and Indiana.  He was always willing to help others learn.  He had patience and took the time to make sure his pupils understood the material.  He mentored to people in the military as well as helping civilians to better themselves by finding them work.  He worked multiple times for the VA, where he was determined to not let veterans slip through the cracks.  He always stuck to his values, and was an amazing role model to his kids.  He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed debating issues.  He was always happy to tell you why he was right.  He will be truly missed by those who got to know him.  He had a powerful impact on everyone he met.  If you were his friend you were his friend for life.

Surviving are his wife Pamela (Owens) Hansel of Portland, four daughters Phyllis Hansel of Eaton, Nicole King (husband Steve) of Arizona, Crystal Jackson (husband Craig) of Oklahoma and Amanda Graley (husband) Josh of Albany.  Two brothers Patrick McMann (wife Patty) of Ohio and Mark Hansel (wife Cecelia) of Florida, two sister Kim Pridemore (husband Mike) of Texas and Nancy Holcomb of Ohio, Eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by  sons Billy and Roger Hansel II and his mother Patricia Hansel.

Visitation will be on Sunday March 17, 2024 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home.  Graveside services will follow in the Salamonia Cemetery with military graveside rites by American Legion Post #211.  Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.  Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com.