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Roger Peter Smits, 81, of Prosper, TX, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Prosper, TX. Roger was born January 20, 1941 in Green Bay, WI to Peter A. Smits and Henrietta Vanden Elzen. Roger married Rita Caiazzo on March 4th, 1961 in Verona, Italy. Roger proudly served in the Army for five years. During his life, he lived in Green Bay, WI, Lexington, KY, and lastly in Prosper, TX. While in the service he lived in Italy, and traveled there many times throughout his life. Roger owned his own business, RPS BARGE COMPANY, for twenty five years. He retired in 2008. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a faithful member to St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, TX. Roger was a liscensed private and recreational pilot. He will take his final flight home. His family will love and miss him and cherish their memories. Roger is survived by his wife, Rita of Prosper, TX; Sisters Florance Heim of De Pere, WI, Rosemary Mangin and husband Lyle of Reedsville, WI, Laverne Heezen of De Pere, WI; Sisters-In-Law Hazel, Gen, & Junella Smits of De Pere, WI; Daughters, Cynthia Dunn and husband Gary of McKinney, TX, and Patricia Phillips and husband Steve of Mill Spring, NC; five grandchildren, Christine Taylor and husband, Lance of McKinney, TX, Ryan Dunn of McKinney, TX, Casey Dunn and wife, Taylor of McKinney, TX, Trent Dunn of McKinney, TX, and Austin Reynolds and wife Taylor of Louisville, KY; three great-grandkids, Kennady and Presley Taylor, and Aria Dunn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Henrietta Smits; his four brothers, Harold, Roland, Merlin, and Edward Smits; his brothers-in-law Irvin Heim & Henry Hezzen; and sister-in-law Lynn Smits. Visitation will be 5:00PM-6:00PM, Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Slay Memorial Chapel in Aubrey, TX. A graveside service will be at 2:00PM, Friday, April 22, 2022 at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 12130 Peaceful Lane in Frisco, TX with Deacon John Rapier officiating. Condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Roger Peter Smits

January 20, 1941 - April 19, 2022