W. Roland Felts
W. Roland Felts, 88, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 5:40 a.m., Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Woodland Terrace of Long Meadows, Niles, Mich.
On March 26, 1924, he was born in Nashville, Tenn., to Luther T. and Marian (Cage) Felts. He married Verna May Miiler on Oct. 17, 1957, in Stratton, Neb, whom survives.
Roland moved to Warsaw in 1957. He was a composer, arranger and keyboard artist with Rodeheaver Company, Winona Lake. He was a music lover who had significant impact on the world of gospel music through his work with Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Music Company. In 1967, he took a job with Grace College as an associate professor, teaching voice and music history. He was a choir director and church organist, through the years, at various local churches, the last being Trinity United Methodist Church, Warsaw. Roland served his country in the U.S. Army and he loved spending family time and listening to music and opera.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Verna May Felts, Warsaw; two children: Jeff (Patty) Felts, Millersville, Md.; and Alicia (Allen) Wedertz, Osceola, Ind.; a sister: Eleanor Louise Hunter, Oak Ridge, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, June 18, at Community Baptist Church, South Bend. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, June 18, 2012 at the church with Pastor Steve Stadtmiller officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.