Merle Rogers

Merle J. Rogers passed away Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 91. He was born on March 5, 1924 in Palco, Kansas to the late Loren and Ella (Adamson) Rogers. On September 13, 1948 he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Smee at the Palco Nazarene Parsonage. Merle was a hardworking man who never complained. He grew up in Rooks County and worked on the Sutor Ranch from 1945-1950 where he and Barb first lived after they were married. From 1950-1987 Merle went to work in the oilfield as a Roughneck, Driller, and Tool Pusher. But of all the jobs he did, the one he loved the most, was being the sexton and caretaker of the Pleasant View Cemetery. He literally dedicated his life to loving and serving the people of Palco and all of the beloved friends and neighbors who were laid to rest in his cemetery. Although Merle worked hard to provide for and take care of his family, he also knew how to spend time enjoying life. He and Barb liked to camp at Webster Lake, take trips to visit family, or just get out of town for a while. He enjoyed morning coffee at the Sale Barn, and afternoon coffee at the Short Stop, just for being with friends and maybe keeping up with a little bit of local gossip. Merle is survived by his sons Bob Rogers and wife Linda of Burlington, CO, and Henry Rogers and wife Shirley of Plainville; daughter Jean Tremblay of Stockton; sister-in-law Easter Rogers of Nampa, ID; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Loren and Ella Rogers; wife Barbara Rogers; son Alan Rogers; daughter Rosa Jane Rogers Herl; brothers Floyd Rogers and wife Ulla, and Dallas Rogers; and sister Rita Ray. Merle was a man of strong work ethic and even stronger family values. He loved his Lord, he loved his family, and he loved his friends, because they were the most important job at hand.