Roger V. Naftzger

ROGER VAUGHN NAFTZGER gently passed away in his home surrounded by family on Good Friday, March 25, 2016 at the age of 89. Roger will be fondly remembered as a caring and affectionate husband, loving father, supportive friend, avid reader, wonderful listener with a quick smile, and varied sense of humor. People were instantly drawn to Roger and he loved to see them smile. So many people found solace in his presence.

Roger was born December 28, 1926 in Kent, Ohio to Marian Adele Doolittle and Roger Neal Naftzger. He was the eldest of four children and is preceded in death by brother Norman and sisters Jane and Sue. Roger grew up in Canton, Ohio and graduated from Lehman High School. He attended Wooster College and then Western Theological Seminary now known as Pittsburgh Seminary and became ordained as a Presbyterian Minister in 1950. Roger served numerous churches throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio before enrolling at Johns Hopkins University and became a Physician Assistant with the hopes of better serving people by combining ministry and medicine (womb-to-tomb services).

In 1991, he was recruited to El Paso, Texas by Project Vida to help start their medical clinic now known as the Roger Naftzger Clinic. Roger’s career in ministry and medicine spanned over 65 years, having shared a sermon for his dear friends in the congregation at Santa Teresa, NM Presbyterian Church within the last month.

He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. He is survived by his wife of 34 progressively sweeter years, Pat, children Mardi Centinaro, the late Mamie Ligon, Lisa Hampton, Roger Brett Naftzger and their families as well as friend, Mary Lou Naftzger, who is the mother of Lisa and Brett. His legacy will live on through his grandchildren, Adam, Adrienne, Daniel, Sarah, Faith, Evan, Sydney, and Roger Nico who affectionately referred to him as Trampa.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 29th at 6:00pm at Martin Funeral Home West. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in his name.