W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Roger Bennet Fleming, 66, of Louisville transitioned on December 31, 2023 at Jewish Hospital.

Visitation 12pm - 2pm Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. Stephen Church 1018 South 15th Street. Memorial Service to follow at 2pm.

Roger Bennet Fleming was born September 30, 1957, at General Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, to parents, Bertha Kate Holt Fleming and Morton Fleming. He was the younger of their two children. He received his required education through the Jefferson County Public Schools System. When school was dismissed at the end of the school day, Roger would return home to diligently watch his mother prepare and cook their dinner. It was during this time that he took an interest in cooking, and it blossomed into a love for it. This love began with his mother, a great cook who often sold meals and desserts to friends and neighbors. By the age of 16, he was hired at the Pine Room Restaurant on River Road, and his main task was cooking eggs. Although he loved cooking, Roger did not allow it to keep him from graduating from du Pont Manual High School where he excelled in woodworking.

His next job took him to the Jefferson Club located at 5th & Jefferson Streets on the 29th floor of the PNC Plaza. He started as a sous chef and was elevated to the premier chef where he created and served scrumptious meals. With all his skills in hand, Roger became a chef for Jewish Hospital in the culinary department until he retired. At the same time, he also worked for Mirabelle Gourmet Catering at 1309 Christy Avenue which is located off Baxter Avenue. Roger loved being in the kitchen, and it showed! From preparation to completion, Roger cared and wanted every dish to be perfect.

In his spare time, he enjoyed shopping for food, clothes, or whatever. Roger spent endless hours shopping from store to store. Since he was a Cardinal fan, he also watched them play regularly. His cherished family and friends were so precious to him. Although he had health issues, Roger refused to have a pity party for himself, and neither did he allow others to be less than positive. His life was lived to the fullest, and he enjoyed it so much. Roger was loved by many and a blessing to most.

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Roger Bennet Fleming departed this life. What a blessing to start the new year in heaven! He leaves to cherish their memories of him: his brother, Norton Fleming; companion, Sherry Gaines; caregivers, Teirra Gaines and Reece Gaines; and a host of relatives and friends; and his beloved dog, Bruno.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son Demetrius.