Roger Lee Prall, 83, of Cocoa, Florida, formerly of Tipp City, Ohio passed away Friday, January 6th, 2022 at Hospice of Dayton.
Born in Springfield, Ohio on September 19, 1939 to Richard E and Doris J (Anderson) Prall. He is preceded in death by 11 days, his wife of 63 years Freda M. Prall. Surviving children, Brian Prall of Greenville, North Carolina, Michael (Kari) Prall of Tipp City, Ohio, Jayne Prall of Miamisburg, Ohio. Also surviving are grandchildren, Trent Prall, Sydney Prall, JorDann (Martin) Casselman , Jakob Prall, Taylor Prall, Tessa (Tyler) Trozzolillo-Foltz and Anthony S. “Nino” Trozzolillo and one great grandchild Mack Casselman.
Roger was an avid follower and supporter of Drum and Bugle Corps, getting his first taste of on field competition with the Satans Angels Drum and Bugle Corp. in Bellefontaine, Ohio. A passion he would keep for his entire life. Roger and Freda were married in 1959 and quickly started a family. Soon thereafter, Roger was selected and began his career with United Airlines in 1960 at the new airport in Dayton, Ohio. A career that would span 4 decades, retiring in 1998.
While at United, Roger decided it was time to revisit his passion for Drum Corp, starting the first Drum and Bugle Corp in the Dayton area, The Miami Valley Lancers in 1970. His impact on the numerous kids who marched for the Lancers from 1970 – 1976 can be found today in many parts of the Drum Corp world. In 1972 Roger was recognized as the “Most Outstanding Man” in his new hometown of Tipp City for his work with the Lancers and his impact on the community bringing the areas first Drum and Bugle Corp Show “Drums Along the Miami” to City Park in Tipp City. Roger was also an accomplished Scuba Diver and traveled extensively learning to night dive and cave dive in remote corners of the Caribbean and the Hawaiian Islands. After relocating to Florida with United Airlines, Roger and Freda settled on the east coast of Florida where they remained for over 30 years. Roger and Freda enjoyed retirement and made many friends in their Forest Lakes community and local Moose Club.
The true love story of “Roger and Freda” will be remembered fondly by anyone who knew them. They were inseparable in life and in passing. Forever together.
Roger will be remembered by friends as, “one of the good guys”, who made a difference in the lives of so many people. And by his family as a provider and champion who, by his actions, set an example of how to be a Father.
A visitation was hosted for Roger and Freda from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, January 7, followed by a Celebration of Life at Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371. Contributions may be made in Roger and Freda’s name to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420 and Hospice of Miami County, 3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fringsandbayliff.com.