Fund Est. Sept. 2006
Roger L. Singleton, son of Franklin J. and Helen Leona (Rayer) Singleton was born in Adams County, Indiana on August 7, 1927. He spent his youth on the family farm in Root Township and graduated from Monmouth High School.
After serving in the 7th Division of the U.S. Army, Roger returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Miller, daughter of Harry Arnold and Clara Ann (Kelly) Miller. The couple was united in marriage at the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church on February 8, 1948.
Mr. Singleton was employed for over 14 years in the security division of Central Soya (now known as Bunge) in Decatur before running for public office. He then served eight and a half years, including two elective terms, as sheriff of Adams County. At that time, his tenure as sheriff was longer than that of any other sheriff in Adams County history.
He was then elected to a two-year term as state representative for Adams and Wells Counties, serving during the years of 1971 and 1972. Representative Singleton was reported to have been a forthright legislator who stood strongly for decent and good public policy, opposing gambling measures and other measures adversely affecting the quality of life in Indiana, while backing strong, fair law-enforcement and justice.
He was active in the affairs of the Democratic Party, having held various offices over the years. He was elected to a four-year term as county commissioner prior to his death at the age of 49.
Betty became Roger’s secretary during his years as sheriff and later became a deputy court reporter in the Adams County Circuit Court until her husband’s death. She was an active first aid instructor for the American Red Cross for many years and was a certified Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), at the Adams County Memorial Hospital in Decatur.
Roger and Betty raised four children, Sandra Joan Collier, Susan Jeanette Fuelling and Saran Joy Winkler, all of Decatur and Scott James of Florida.
This fund has been created by David and Sandra (Singleton) Collier in honor of Sandra’s parents who so loved helping others and the very community who provided for them a comfortable lifestyle and helped raise their family.