07/01/2008

E. Lee Rogers

June 30, 2008

OFDA received word this afternoon that Emerson Lee Rogers, 84, a longtime resident and business owner in Trotwood, passed away peacefully Monday morning, June 30, 2008 at Hospice of Dayton.

Lee graduated from (Trotwood) Madison High School in 1942 and joined the Navy shortly after. He served his country during WW II on the USS Battleship New Jersey. After working at many local funeral homes in the area, Lee and his wife Vanice (Wenger) founded the Rogers' Funeral Home, Inc. in Trotwood in 1959 and later, with his son, purchased the Holp Funeral Home in New Lebanon in 1977. He dedicated his life to serving many wonderful families over his 50 plus years.

Lee was a Madison Township Trustee for over 13 years and was a Charter member of the American Legion Post #613. He also was a member of the Antioch Shrine, Scottish Rite of Ft. Myers, FL and a 50 year member of the Brookville Masonic Lodge #405.

He is preceded in death by his precious daughter Debby Campbell and special brother Lowell. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Vanice (Wenger); daughter, Dian Rogers; sons and their wives, Dean and Becky Rogers, Doug and Cheri Rogers, son-in-law David Campbell; nine grandchildren, Todd (Colleen Carpenter) Campbell, Tamar (Chris) Sauer ,Dena Campbell, Justin Rogers, Nathan Rogers, Jeff (Sharon) Rogers, Kevin (fiance Jeanette Klaus), Andy Smith and Natalie Rogers and six great grandchildren and many more relatives and very special friends, which certainly includes his best buddy Charlie (Shirley) Brown.

A celebration of Lee's life will be held 11:30 AM Thursday, July 3, 2008 at the Trotwood Church of the Brethren, 208 East Main Street. A private burial will be held prior to the service.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, July 2 at the Rogers' Funeral Home, 110 West Main Street, Trotwood.

If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton in Lee's memory. A sincere thank you to Christy Dempsey, Lee's Hospice nurse.