Roger Ewell Hand

April 29, 1951 – January 31, 2023

On January 31, 2023, Roger Ewell Hand, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully and painlessly in his sleep at the age of 71, after a 42-year struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and paralysis.  Roger was born on April 29, 1951, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to James Ewell Hand and Leontine Rosemary Hingle Hand.  He was a resident of Denham Springs, Louisiana, living with his son Chris for several years before staying at Harvest Manor Healthcare and Rehabilitation for 24-hour care.

Roger is preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 39 years, Deborah “Debbie” Sutton Hand.  We have no doubt that he is rejoicing to be united with his soulmate.  Roger is survived by his three children: Deborah Kimberly “Kim” Hand, Steven Christopher “Chris” Hand and daughter-in-law Heather Tullier Hand, and Amanda Katherine “Katie” Hand; Four grandchildren: Skiilyn Hand, Arianna Hand, Connor Lerche, and Savannah Grace Lerche; Three siblings: Colleen Hand Thompson, Patricia Hand Wall, and Tom Hand; numerous nieces and nephews, many whom have lived with him during his life. Roger was preceded in death by his parents: James and Rosemary; and his siblings: James Hand, John Hand, Mary Hand Milliken, and Paul Hand.

Roger earned a Bachelor of Architecture from LSU, and became an accomplished Architect and Contractor.  He strove tirelessly to serve his community and provide support to the disabled and elderly.  Roger loved everyone dearly, and often talked with his children and grandchildren about unconditional love for family, God, sacrifice, and the rewards of hard work. His lifetime example of perseverance through the hardest of adversities will echo through the generations of loved ones, for the living and those yet to come.  Roger Hand, your guidance, advice, lessons learned, and passionate love will be sorely missed by every heart you touched.  We will miss you dearly.

Roger’s Memorial will be held on Sunday, February 19, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Seale Funeral Home, at 1720 S. Range Ave., Denham Springs, LA, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Roger’s life.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA.  Visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, with Mass starting at 11:00 AM.  Following Mass, he will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 6213 Groom Rd., Baker, LA.

Seale Funeral Home:

St. Agnes Catholic Church, Directions and Parking:

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens: