John E. Rogers

CHARLESTON, IL – John Eugene Rogers, age 81 of Charleston, and formerly of Terre Haute and the Casey-Westfield area, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 2, 2021 while at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Gene Ellis officiating.  Services will conclude with Military Rites. To protect everyone, the family requests that masks be worn, and physical distancing guidelines be followed.  A private family burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Westfield, Illinois.  Memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.

John was born February 28, 1939 in Westfield, Illinois, a son of the late Leonard Ralph and Mary Marie (Higgins) Rogers.  He is survived by his children, Ke´an (Rogers) Armstrong of Charleston and Michael Shane Rogers of Mattoon; a grandson, Brayden Armstrong; his former wife and mother of his children, Linda (Matthews) Rogers of Mattoon; four nephews, Rodney Robison, Rob Robison and wife Sherry, Rich Bushart and Jimmy Wade; and two nieces, Cindy Huttenburg and Madonna Staggs.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded by three sisters, Irene Robison, Linda Bushart and Rosemary Wade; a brother, Marion Rogers; and a nephew, Kevin Robison.

John was a veteran of the United States Army, honorably discharged in 1963, having received the Good Conduct Medal and a Commemorative Medal for his meritorious service.  He was a life member of the American Legion Post 0104 in Terre Haute and a former member of the Casey Lion’s Club.  After enrolling in an apprenticeship with IBEW, he worked as a journeyman electrician in Arizona and Colorado until moving to Illinois where he was a self-employed electrician.  For several years following he worked with the Charleston Community Unit School District as an electrician until his retirement in 1991.

John was involved with the Boy Scouts of America in Casey, Illinois Troop 84 as an Assistant Scoutmaster and enjoyed traveling to different states attending scouting conferences and outings, including Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch in New Mexico.  Throughout the years John was the recipient of several awards, including the Good Shepherd, Vigil Honor, Silver Beaver, and Distinguished Commissioner Award.

John was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Casey where he worked with the youth of the church, was a Sunday School teacher for the junior high age youth, served as a church outreach leader, assisted with church camps, and worked in the church bus ministry for 10 years.  When living in Terre Haute, John attended Bible Baptist Church and remained actively involved in church work. 

John was quite the history buff and collected Native American artifacts.  He was a member of the Central Tribal Council and was known as “The Cheerful Traveler”.  He enjoyed giving informative/historical presentations of Native American history to the various schools and scouting groups in the surrounding areas.

Following his retirement, John believed in keeping active and being productive.  He did volunteer work at the Casey Senior Center and Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana.  In most recent years, John lived at Heritage Woods Assisted Living where he was well cared for by the staff while enjoying the companionship of friends and participating in social and recreational activities.  John enjoyed spending time with his friends, children, and grandson.  He will be lovingly remembered.

FUNERAL SERVICE
The funeral service celebrating the life of John Rogers was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2021 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Gene Ellis officiating.  Musical selections included "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", and "When the Rolled Is Called Up Yonder".    The Committal Service was also held at the funeral chapel followed by Military Services conducted by members of the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Detail from Decatur, Illinois.  Burial followed in Maple Hill Cemetery in Westfield, Illinois.  John's nephews, Rodney and Rob Robison assisted as Pallbearers.

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