Roger Lee Shiner

April 13, 1943 – May 12, 2026

Roger Shiner, a man defined by his unwavering devotion to family, a lifetime of dedicated service, and an adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully at the age of 83.

A Foundation of Faith and Hard Work

Born and raised in Northeast Kansas City, Roger’s earliest and fondest memories were rooted in his neighborhood and Bales Baptist Church. From exploring the city solo on streetcars as a young boy to leading music for the children’s choir, his early years shaped a life of capability and faith. He learned the value of hard work early, throwing newspapers for the Kansas City Star, maintaining neighborhood gardens, and working alongside his father on carpentry and wallpapering jobs—skills that sparked a lifelong passion for woodworking and beautiful yard projects.

A Lifetime of Love and Family

Roger’s greatest love story actually began in the nursery at Bales Baptist, where he and a little girl, Freda Stiff, spent time while their parents served the church together. Roger’s earliest memory of Freda was when he was 4 years old. Years of friendship and courtship blossomed into a beautiful marriage on April 12, 1963. Together, Roger and Freda built a life centered on deep family connections. Roger treasured his relationships with his siblings, his many nieces and nephews—especially his childhood partner-in-adventure, Paul Vernon—and the extended family and mentors who supported them in their early years.

A Career of Service and Travel

Roger’s industrious nature led to a fulfilling career. He spent 35 years with TWA and American Airlines, a profession that perfectly paired with his love for exploration and travel. Simultaneously, Roger poured his heart into his faith community, serving as the Building Superintendent for First Baptist Church of North Kansas City for another 35 years. Whether he was maintaining the church grounds, sculpting his immaculate gardens, traveling with family and friends or adventuring with his closest friends, Roger quietly and consistently chose relationship, service, and family.

Surviving Family

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Freda I. (Stiff) Shiner. He leaves behind a rich family legacy through his three sons and their families:

• Chad and his three sons: Matthew, Joshua, and Nikolas.
• Dru (Joy) and their three children: Jackson (Kelsey), Sydni, and Caden.
• Cary (Tracy) and their children: CJ, Savannah (Spencer), and Taylor.
• His precious great-granddaughter, Haven Flores Wright.

He is also survived by his older brother, Kenneth Shiner, and his sister, Arlene Royal. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Florence (Clevenger), his brother Charles, and his sisters Sarah Parker, Maxine Trowbridge, and Catherine Smith.

Services

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Roger’s life at the following services on Monday, May 18, 2026:

• Visitation: Held at 9:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of North Kansas City, located at 2205 Iron Street, NKC, MO 64116. With a Funeral Service beginning at 10:30 AM
• Graveside Service: Will follow immediately after the Service, at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 801 NW 108th St, Kansas City, MO 64155.

Memorial Donations:

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you designate a memorial donation in Roger's name to the Homes for the Harvest Ministry at First Baptist Church of NKC. Contributions can be made online via the Homes for the Harvest Donation Page.

Roger leaves behind a rich legacy of beautifully tended gardens, handmade wooden treasures, numerous trips, and a family who will forever carry his adventurous, caring spirit in their hearts.