Roger New

Roger New, 72, died Thursday November 3, 2022 at Mulberry Health Care in Mulberry, IN.  He was a life resident of Covington and attended Covington Schools.  Roger was born December 2, 1949 the son of Robert C. and Virginia Lee (Barker) New.

Surviving are two cousins, Daniel Barker of Commerce City, CO, and David Barker of Bayshore, KS.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Richard New.

Per Roger’s request, he was cremated and buried in Mount Hope Cemetery next to his parents.  A memorial service will be at 11:00 A. M. Friday December 2, 2022 at First Assembly God, Covington.  Shelby Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Memorials to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com .

Celebration of Life for Roger L. New

Born December 2, 1949 – Entered Heaven November 3, 2022

Roger New, affectionately known as “Roger Dodger” was born December 2, 1949 and entered Heaven November 3, 2022.

Roger was best  known for his larger-than-life personality.  Ask him how he was, and he’d answer, “Fine and dandy. Sweet as candy.”    It’s no wonder that everywhere he went, Roger was stopped by someone who knew him.  That wasn’t just in Covington, where he lived most of his life.  Go anywhere with Roger and you were bound to hear, “Hey New!  Roger New!”  After all, spending time with Roger simply made life better.

Roger lived longer than anyone expected.  Having sustained a severe brain injury as an infant, Roger’s prognosis wasn’t good.  And yet, Roger defied all the odds against him.  In fact, he thrived!    He attended Covington schools. He worked at the County Market.  Roger was baptized at First Assembly of God Church, where he attended services and participated in the Son Shine ministry.  He also enjoyed spending time with friends at the VFW and the bowling alley.   Roger was also very competitive. He loved playing the board game Wahoo .  Every visitor to his home was challenged to play.  Roger was arguably one of the best Wahoo players ever.

Roger’s favorite hobby since childhood was collecting baseball cards.  Every season when the

cards were released, Roger got the entire series—every player, every team.  Then with incredible patience and meticulous dedication, Roger categorized the cards into albums.  Every year, every team, every player -- from rookie to GOAT.   Roger amassed quite the collection over more than five decades.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents Robert C. and Virginia L. (Barker) New, his grandparents Vaughn and Lois Barker, his brother Richard New, and his favorite cousin, Stanley Barker.

Roger is survived by cousins Daniel (Jean) Barker of Commerce City, Colorado, David (Debi) Barker of Basehor, Kansas, and Stanley’s wife Karen, also of Colorado.

Roger’s celebration of life was at 11:00 A. M. at First Assembly of God Church, 421 Market St., Covington on December 2, 2022.

First Assembly of God Church