Roger Jenot

Roger Jenot, 82, of Carey, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Roger was born on Oct. 20, 1943, in Carey, to the late Carlton and Mary (Tiell) Jenot. He married the love of his life Judith McMillan on July 9, 1966, and they shared 60 years dedicated to each other and their family; she survives. Roger is also survived by his beloved daughter, Anna Trausch; two cherished grandchildren, Rebecca and David Trausch and siblings, Diane Houser, Anita (Ned Throckmorton) Jenot, Carla Jenot and Aidan (Carol) Jenot, along with many nieces, nephews and their children.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Wanita and Leroy Gobis; his niece, Carrie Houser; his brother-in-law, David Houser; and brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Shirley McMillian.
Roger was a 1961 graduate of Carey High School and received a bachelor’s degree in education, with post-secondary study in history from Bowling Green State University. Roger inspired generations of students as a teacher at Carey Exempted Village Schools through his love of history and use of creative learning experiences. Roger had a gift for connecting with people and made others feel heard, valued and respected. He delighted in learning from everyone he met and his sense of humor, wit and compassion raised those around him.
A true history enthusiast, Roger spent countless hours reading and researching a wide range of interests, including the Civil War, government, politics, world religions, architecture and conservationism, among many others. After his retirement, Roger portrayed Abraham Lincoln as a historical re-enactor and he brought history to life in numerous schools and communities throughout Ohio and surrounding states. Roger and Judy visited countless public libraries (from which they proudly amassed a large collection of library cards) and were tour guides for the Our Lady of Consolation Basilica. They attended and taught retired learning courses at Bluffton University, presented multiple community education programs at The Link in Carey and at 75, Roger learned to play piano because he had “always regretted not learning to play an instrument.”
Roger’s vibrant curiosity and community engagement continued throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the Dorcas Carey Public Library Board, The Carey Historical Society and Knights of Columbus and was a dedicated voting poll volunteer. Roger believed deeply in the responsibilities of civics, citizenship and conservation and led others by making meaningful contributions in the community he loved.
Visitation for Roger will be on Thursday, July 9, from 2-8 p.m. at Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, Carey. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Carey, with the Rev. Tom Merrill, OFM Conv., officiating. Additional visitation will be an hour before mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s honor to Dorcas Carey Public Library.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with Roger’s family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com.