Roger Herbert Hales

With deep respect and heartfelt remembrance, we honor the life of a truly outstanding man whose character was defined by integrity, hard work, and unwavering dedication to those around him. Roger Hales, 89, passed away suddenly on the evening of March 17, 2026. He was born July 3, 1936 in Elyria, Ohio to the late Orlo and Dorothy (nee-Hawke) Hales.

Roger grew up locally and graduated from Ashland University in 1958 with a degree in accounting. He then went on to serve his country in the Army, stationed in France for 2 years. He reached the pinnacle of his career as the CFO for Western Steel in Elyria, in the 1990’s.

He was a man who believed actions spoke louder than words. Through every chapter of his life, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to honesty, integrity, and doing what was right-even when it was difficult. He lived a life of faith, whether in his profession, home, the community, or church, he gave his best consistently throughout his life.

Roger was preceded in death by the love of his life, Carol (nee-Garretson) Hales and daughter-in-law, Debra (nee-Fazio) Hales. He is survived by his two sons, Kevin Hales (Donna) and Stephen Hales (Shari), grandson Brenden Hales (Nicole), granddaughters, Suzanne Gannon (Riley) and Sarah James (Clay), great-grandsons, Joseph Hales and Liam Gannon, as well as his sister Barbara Mott (Tom).

A Celebration of Life will be held at North Eaton Christian Church 35895 Royalton Rd. Grafton, OH 44044 on Thursday April 2 at 11:30 a.m. with lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North Eaton Christian Church in his name.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elyria.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com