Roger Dean Adelson , age 82, passed away on April 29, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas. Roger was born on July 11, 1942 to Orlie A. Adelson and Winnifred G. (McClure) Adelson in Abilene, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Don.

Roger was an exceptional student, graduating as Valedictorian of Wichita Southeast High School's Class of 1960. He went on to lead a remarkable life as a scholar, educator, mentor, and friend.

Roger earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors from George Washington University, a Bachelor of Letters degree from Oxford University, and both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Washington University in St Louis, where he held a Danforth Fellowship. He later served as an Alistair Horne Research Fellow at Oxford and taught briefly at Harvard before beginning his long career as a professor of history at Arizona State University in 1974. Roger was deeply respected for his passion for teaching and his dedication to his students. He remained at ASU until his retirement.

A distinguished scholar, Roger published four books: Mark Sykes: Portrait of an Amateur; London and the Invention of the Middle East; Money, Power, and War 1902-1922; Speaking of History - Conversations with Historians. He also served as editor of "The Historian" from 1990-1995.

Beyond his academic achievements, Roger lived life with curiosity, joy, and generosity. He was a world traveler, art and theatre enthusiast, gourmet cook, talented musician who played both piano and trombone, and avid bicyclist and swimmer. A man of faith, he was also a mentor, a devoted student advocate, and a generous friend to many. He loved teaching, reading, dancing, gardening, listening to the radio, and driving his beloved Mercedes. He had a gift for hospitality, entertaining countless friends with warmth and laughter, and was known for sending the most thoughtful holiday and birthday cards. He was also passionate about politics and community life.

Roger is survived by his brother, Richard Adelson of Andover, Kansas; nephews - Michael Adelson (Jame) of Park City, Kansas, Stephen Adelson (Teri) of Andover, Kansas, and Jeffrey Adelson (Tomi) of Andover, Kansas; numerous great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and Godchildren; and countless dear friends around the world.

A Memorial Service celebrating Roger's life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Augustine's Episcopal Church, 1735 S. College Avenue, Tempe, Arizona. A reception will follow at Roger's home, 311 E. Encanto Drive, Tempe, Arizona.

Roger will be deeply missed and forever remembered.