Roger Beatty, age 66, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026.  A graduate of Midview High School, Roger was a longtime resident of the Grafton and Elyria area.

Roger was a man of immense talent and resourcefulness.  A skilled machinist by trade, he worked for Parker Hannifin, AJ Rose, DuPont, Hy Production, Standby Screw, VRC, and Gilford Instruments before retiring from Lear Romec in Elyria, and co-owned DeJaVu Entertainment with his wife.  He was brilliant with his hands and mechanically inclined; to his family, it seemed there was nothing he couldn't fix or make.

Beyond his work, Roger was defined by his vibrant personality.  He was a prankster with a contagious laugh and one of the best storytellers one could ever hope to meet.  He possessed the unique ability to tell a story you had heard before and make it feel fresh, funny, and captivating every single time.

He had a passion for travel, counting Loughlin, Nevada, among his favorite destinations.  He was also an avid enthusiast of the open road, taking great pride in his 1979 Harley Davidson and his 1976 Mustang Cobra II.  His determination was evident to all who knew him; even after suffering a stroke, he returned to the driver's seat of his beloved Mustang, a testament to his resilience.

Roger was a devoted family man.  He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Francene; his sisters Kelly and Gail; his son, Nick; his stepsons, Jessie, Lee, John, and Steven; his niece, Dana; and a legacy of 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  He also leaves behind many close friends, one in particular Mike Wilson who he loved like a brother, and many others whose lives he touched deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Virginia Beatty; his brothers; Gene and Tracy Beatty; and his faithful dog, Sancho.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Garland-Misencik Funeral Home, 851 Park Avenue, Amherst.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev. Rick Keesee of Midway Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in Butternut Ridge Cemetery, Eaton Township.  A luncheon will be provided at Midway Baptist Church after the burial.