Roger Douglas DeHart

It is announced with profound sadness that Roger Douglas DeHart passed away on November 4, 2026. Born on April 20, 1954, in Waco, Texas, Roger lived a life full of exuberance, action, and inquisitiveness. He passed away at home, surrounded by cherished family members.

Roger was the son of the late Margaret Harris DeHart and Charles Arledge DeHart. He was proud of his mother's tenacity and courage in pursuing a career as a single mom. Roger found joy in his predecessors' legacies and was grateful to be raised with the support of his beloved maternal grandparents, L.W. (Pete) and Clara Harris. He cherished growing up with his younger brother, Robert (Bubba) DeHart, and cousins Vickie and Renee Worley. Roger also greatly valued his relationships with DeHart half-siblings Michael, Debbie, Sean, Jamey, and Steven, as well as his cousin Brad Harris.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Murray Bennett, and his sister-in-law Sheri (Robert) Hall. He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Gayla Sue DeHart, and their three daughters with his previous wife, Kim Angelbuer: Michelle DeHart Melville (and spouse Aaron Melville) of Washington, Nicole DeHart Schmalbach (and spouse Francisco Schmalbach) of Kansas, and Alexis DeHart Stephens (and partner Christian Parsons) of Oregon. Roger was the exceptionally proud grandfather of eight grandchildren: Kent, Evelyn, Oliver, and Gordon Melville; Luke, Charlie, and Brianna Schmalbach; and Garrett Stephens. He is also survived by his much-loved mother-in-law, Loretta Bennett, and his siblings-in-law, Michael (Linda) Bennett, Steve Bennett, Jeff (Heather) Bennett, Lisa (Robert) Thulin, Kirk (Veronica) Bennett, Brett Bennett, and all his wonderful nieces and nephews.

Roger's journey began in Whitney, Texas, where he graduated from Whitney High School in 1972. He married the love of his life, Gayla Sue Pogue, in 1987. Roger continued his passion for learning at Hillsboro Junior College, where he studied computer science. This path led him to a tremendously successful career in sales support as a senior systems engineer. Roger's dedication and expertise earned him the prestigious title of Network Engineer of the Year multiple times. It also led him to live in several places, including Texas, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Oklahoma. His work took him across the United States, and he achieved Delta Air Lines' Lifetime Platinum Medallion Status, having flown over one million miles.

A man of many interests, Roger was known for his boisterous personality and competitive spirit. In his youth, he treasured purchasing classic vehicles (such as a 1967 Ford Falcon) with his brother Bubba. He was an avid fan of trivia, bowling, dominoes, Yahtzee, and horseshoes. A lifelong sci-fi enthusiast, he held a special fondness for Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. He delighted in the works of John Grisham and the humor of Dilbert comics. Gardening with his beloved wife, Gayla, brought him immense joy, as did trimming the lawn on his riding mower. His love of music was a hallmark of his character, and he attended countless concerts at the Hard Rock Cafe in his later years. Roger's deep appreciation for music videos and sushi was a passion he passed on to his daughters from a very early age. He was an enthusiastic home chef who cooked with joyful abandon, a mouthful of this and a healthy dash of spice. When not cooking, he loved to sneak in a trip to Whataburger or Braum's, and when in Fort Worth, Angelo's Bar-B-Que.

Roger was the life of any gathering, always ready with a joke or a witty saying like "that's better than a sharp stick in the eye." He cherished nicknames, endearingly calling his mother-in-law, Loretta, "Petunia," while she affectionately called him "Begonia," a playful exchange that lasted 39 years.

In his final years, Roger found solace and joy in the support and companionship of his brother, cousins, in-laws, and nephew Austin, whom he fondly called "the son I never had." While he might not always say it out loud to his daughters, everyone knew how very proud he was of his strong-willed, successful girls (and he thought the world of his three sons-in-law). His earnest practice of prayer and belief in the Almighty God was a source of daily strength.

A celebration of Roger's life and viewing will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Green Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 9901 North Owasso Expressway, Owasso, OK 74055. 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 11 am, at Sandridge Cemetery, Hwy 20, Owasso, OK 74055.

Roger's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who shared in his life's journey. His laughter, smarts, and talkative nature will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.