HOMER EARL ROGERS
HOMER EARL ROGERS
1918-2007
Homer Earl Rogers, 88, of Memphis, MO, formerly of Gorin, MO, passed away Monday, June 4, 2007, at the Scotland County Memorial Hospital in Memphis, MO.
He was born the son of Benjamin and Nellie (Sperry) Rogers on October 19, 1918, at Bushnell, IL. Homer graduated from Bushnell High School and was always involved in farming and worked for the University of Missouri in extension work eight years.
He married Carol L. Coons on November 27, 1944. To this union were born three children: Adrian, Vicki Ann, and Miriam. Homer had been farming in Bushnell and they started their life together there.
Homer grew up in a Christian setting and was a member of the Bushnell Methodist Church, attending there with his family. He loved his music and played the trumpet starting in grade school and continued through high school. He was involved in several bands after high school. He also played the trumpet with some members of his family at the church in Bushnell, including his father, Ben, who played the violin, his sister, Helen, who played the saxophone, and his brother, Harold, who played the drums. He had continued playing his trumpet at churches his entire life until his health forced him to quit in 1997.
Homer loved farming and the outdoors and was involved in 4-H, starting at an early age, and he had the honor of attending Chicago Club Congress. He continued being a leader as an adult.
Homer, Carol and children moved to Gorin, Mo, in 1956 after purchasing a farm there and attended the Gorin Christian Church where he was an elder and Sunday School teacher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Nellie, a brother, Harold Rogers, and a sister, Helen Engel.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of Memphis; one son, Adrian and wife Brenda of Sanford, FL; two daughters, Vicki Ann Strong and husband Dennis of Alexandria, MN, and Miriam Nichols and husband Dave of Ashland, MO; one sister, Harriet McElvain of Bushnell, IL; grandchildren, Brooke and Lindsey Rogers of Sanford, FL, Christopher Strong and wife Tara of Kirksville, MO, Matthew Strong and wife Niki of Alexandria, MN, Troy Smith of Lee’s Summit, MO, Dustin McLeland and wife Leslie of Ashland, MO; great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Caleb Strong of Alexandria, MN, Anja and Aili Strong of Kirksville, MO, DeAngelo Brown of Sanford, FL, and Gabrielle Marren and Graci McLeland of Ashland, MO; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2007, in the Gorin Christian Church in Gorin, MO, with Pastor Jim Campbell officiating. Special music was provided by pianist Kathy Campbell, and vocalists Dennis Strong, and the Brothers and Sisters. Serving as pallbearers were Dave Nichols, Troy Smith, Matthew Strong, Dustin McLeland, Christopher Strong, and Marlin Oberholtzer. Honorary bearers were Don Tague, A.J. Humes, Bruce Tague, and Orville Steele. Burial was in the Gorin Cemetery, Gorin, MO.
Memorials were suggested to the Scotland County Care Center or to the charity or organization of the donor’s choice and can be left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St., Memphis, MO 63555.
Condolences may be sent to Mr. Roger’s family via email at gerths@gerths.com.
Arrangements were under the direction of Gerth Funeral Service from their Memphis chapel.
