Roy Renfro Obituary

Roy Lewis Renfro, 66, of Shipshewana went to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 3:20 p.m. after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He was born in San Jose, California, to Hugh Lewis Renfro and (Esther) Karlene (Burns) Renfro on Sept. 30, 1958. He spent his first 30 years on the west coast.

On May 21, 1999, in Goshen he married Lisa (Dunmire) Calkins. He is survived by his wife; children, Ariel Renfro, Dustin (Megan) Calkins and Trevor Renfro; and grandchildren, Hannah Garretson and Silas LeClair. In addition, surviving family include siblings, Rod Renfro, Tina Renfro and Lisa (Ed) Thomas; siblings-in-law, Glenda Renfro, Mike (Peg) Dunmire, Marge (John) Zimmerman and Bill (Chris) Dunmire; a host of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his Pleasant Valley Family whom he dearly loved, his missionary families in Nicaragua and Mexico, and his beloved dogs Satch and Luna and the felines he tolerated, but loved – Chrissy, Ali, Tink, Bear, Jet Li and Emme. During his cancer journey, the animals brought him much joy and comfort.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, John Renfro; sister-in-law, Jenny Braswell; and his dear Aunt Theora.

Roy spent 35 years doing custom painting for several California and Indiana RV and auto body repair businesses. He had a natural ability with design and color, once painting Hello Kitty on Ariel's car. His last job was with Ideal Coatings in Middlebury where his deep abiding friendship with Tim Weaver was cemented.

His biggest love was for Jesus Christ and he took every opportunity to share the Gospel. His mission field was wherever he was. He and Lisa traveled to Nicaragua on numerous occasions making many dear friends, especially Jairo and Jacky, who remain steadfast God-given family. He loved mission tripping, especially with his children.

He loved his family fiercely, praying for them each day. He enjoyed fishing, hunting in his earlier years, being with his kids and grandkids and making people laugh. His fondest desire was for everyone to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St., Middlebury. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral services on Friday, July 11, at Maple City Chapel, Goshen. Services will be conducted by Pastor Gary Miller. The family will hold a private graveside service at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Middlebury. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to RETA Ministries: 116 W. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516; the Middlebury Food Pantry: 13307 C.R. 16, Middlebury, IN 46540, or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews: 303 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601. The family also requests that you dress comfortably and casually as Roy always did. Online condolences may be offered at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.