Roger Allen Landwert

Roger Allen Landwert, age 61, died peacefully on July 30, 2025, in Columbus with family by his side. He was a light in our world and impacted so many over his lifetime. Roger was born on June 25,1964 in Salem, Ohio, to Ralph and Eva Landwert. He was a gift to his parents and five sisters as they were touched by the life of an individual with Down Syndrome. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Catholic church where he developed his faith and continued to attend for many years, both with his family and then independently in adulthood. Roger attended Robert Bycroft School in Lisbon, from the age of three through graduation at age 22. During those years, his family participated in his education in many ways. While he faced challenges, his parents held high expectations for his development. With the guidance of his educators and the support of his family, Roger learned to read and write, demonstrate responsibility for home living and care for himself. During his childhood he had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. Summers spent with his family at Sevakeen Country Club enabled him to learn to swim, play golf, socialize with friends, and navigate the small community with independence. Roger was an active participant in Special Olympics in several events including running track, swimming, bowling, and snow skiing. At an early age, he began traveling to Columbus one weekend each summer to participate in the Special Olympics at The Ohio State University with his sisters cheering him on. In 1991, he attended the International Special Olympics in Minneapolis as a swimmer, returning home full of pride at winning a gold medal. As an adult, Roger resided in East Palestine and then Salem, both in a semi-independent and a group home setting. Over the years he developed bonds with his caregivers and the others residing there. Roger was employed at Lowry Supply and also spent many years at the Columbiana County Sheltered Workshop. Roger was an avid football fan, attending Salem high school games with his parents and then on his own. He loved cheering on the Salem Quakers, as well as his favorite NFL team, the Eagles. Music was a constant passion for Roger. At an early age he could be found listening to his favorite albums. He often played Christmas music even in the summer and directed while singing along. His yearly Christmas solo at family gatherings will remain a cherished memory. As a young adult, Roger joined his dad singing in a Barbershop chorus at weekly practices and for performances around the area. Roger loved singing alongside his dad, and the men in the chorus welcomed him as a member. He was regularly given the honor of directing the final theme song for the Barbershop Harmony Society organization at their performances. Roger inspired those around him to teach and support individuals with diverse needs, beginning with his sisters and nieces and continuing on to others. Today, his legacy lives on in classrooms, communities and in the hearts of those he inspired to see ability before disability. Roger stories will be told for years to come; stories filled with love and laughter. Those who knew him were the fortunate ones to have been touched by his life. As he once told Leslie in a moment of simple clarity, “The sun is always shining above the clouds.” Roger will be missed dearly, but his light continues to shine on. Roger was preceded in death by his sister: Linda Landwert, his parents: Ralph and Eva Landwert, his step-mother: Ginger Landwert, his brothers in law: Geoff Bush and Clyde Smith and his nephew: Eric Smith. He is survived by his sisters: Leslie Bush, Jeanne Smith, Julie Mowery (Bob), Lisa Smith, Lois Smith (Duane); nine nieces and nephews and twenty-five great nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Westerwood for their compassionate care, as well as Capital City Hospice for their loving support for Roger and his family during his final days. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to Capital City Hospice Columbus, Ohio. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Powell, Ohio on August 13, 2025, at 10:30. A Memorial Service will be held at the Chapel at Grandview Cemetery in Salem, Ohio on September 3, 2025, at 11:30 am.

Roger Allen Landwert

June 25, 1964 - July 30, 2025