April 17, 2021 at 3:23 a.m.
Walt Rodgers
Obituary
Walter R. “Walt” Rodgers, 100, of Dunkirk, Indiana, passed away peacefully Friday, April 16, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Dunkirk, Indiana.
Walt was born in Blackford County, Indiana, on May 13, 1920, a son of the late Alonzo G. and Orla Gay (Needler) Rodgers. He was the loving husband of Margaret Vivian (Glascock) Rodgers who he happily married on Feb. 21, 1948, and sadly lost on Aug. 11, 2008.
Walt was a graduate of Matthew’s High School of Jefferson Township in Grant County, Indiana, and a lifelong farmer, and proudly served his country in World War II as a member of the United States Army.
He continued his service to country and community as a member of the township ASCS committee in the 1950s and ’60s, as Jay County deputy sheriff from 1963 to 1967, a member of Jay County Sheriff’s Merit Board for 12 years, a Jay County Commissioner for eight years and a Jay County Development Corporation board member for eight years. He was a 10-year member of Dunkirk Glass Days Committee and was an active member of the American Legion for 76 years, serving as sergeant at arms for 47 years, in charge of the color guard and firing squad in all parades and military rites, conducting over 350 military honor guard services for his fellow veterans, and was commander of the Dunkirk post in 1961, 1962 and from 2002 to 2016.
Walt was also a life member of Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Farmers Union, Indiana Sheriff’s Association, VFW Post 7081 in Dunkirk and Voiture #988 Jay – Blackford 40-8. He was inducted into Jay County FFA Ag Hall of Fame in 1992 and Jay County Cincinnatus League Hall of Fame in 2003.
His dedication and strong work ethic reflected throughout his life as he was employed by Indiana Glass in Dunkirk for 13 years, and MJS Mortuaries Dunkirk, Redkey and Ridgeville chapels for over 15 years. But among the many years of service his heart was always on the farm and with his family, working side by side with his two sons, Gary and Dennis; and two grandsons, Richie and Derek.
Walt is survived by his two sons, Gary Rodgers (wife: Sharon) and Dennis Rodgers (wife: Chris); five grandchildren, Jeff Blakely, Randy Blakely, Rich Rodgers, Shellie Rodgers and Derek Rodgers; 10 great-grandchildren, Jordan Blakely, Justin Blakely, Dustin Rodgers, Garrett Rodgers, Eric Smitley, Isabel Rodgers, Alaina Rodgers, Draydon Rodgers, Sloane Rodgers and Vivian Rodgers; one step-great-grandchild, Brittany Muhlenkamp.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Vivian; and two brothers, Everett and Howard Rodgers; stepson, Ronald Blakely; and granddaughter, Danielle Rodgers.
Friends are invited to call Monday, April 19, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 1 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel with Pastor Joe Hines officiating. Burial will follow in Dunkirk IOOF Cemetery, Dunkirk, Indiana, with military honors presented by the United States Army, Dunkirk, Ridgeville and Randolph County veterans, VFW and American Legion posts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church in Dunkirk, Indiana, or The American Heart Association.
Please be assured that for your health and safety, all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, government and local health department recommendations and guidelines are followed (county metrics maximum with social distancing, masks are still to be worn while in attendance, hand sanitizer will be available, extra cleaning and disinfecting measures have been taken).
Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel.
Walt was born in Blackford County, Indiana, on May 13, 1920, a son of the late Alonzo G. and Orla Gay (Needler) Rodgers. He was the loving husband of Margaret Vivian (Glascock) Rodgers who he happily married on Feb. 21, 1948, and sadly lost on Aug. 11, 2008.
Walt was a graduate of Matthew’s High School of Jefferson Township in Grant County, Indiana, and a lifelong farmer, and proudly served his country in World War II as a member of the United States Army.
He continued his service to country and community as a member of the township ASCS committee in the 1950s and ’60s, as Jay County deputy sheriff from 1963 to 1967, a member of Jay County Sheriff’s Merit Board for 12 years, a Jay County Commissioner for eight years and a Jay County Development Corporation board member for eight years. He was a 10-year member of Dunkirk Glass Days Committee and was an active member of the American Legion for 76 years, serving as sergeant at arms for 47 years, in charge of the color guard and firing squad in all parades and military rites, conducting over 350 military honor guard services for his fellow veterans, and was commander of the Dunkirk post in 1961, 1962 and from 2002 to 2016.
Walt was also a life member of Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Farmers Union, Indiana Sheriff’s Association, VFW Post 7081 in Dunkirk and Voiture #988 Jay – Blackford 40-8. He was inducted into Jay County FFA Ag Hall of Fame in 1992 and Jay County Cincinnatus League Hall of Fame in 2003.
His dedication and strong work ethic reflected throughout his life as he was employed by Indiana Glass in Dunkirk for 13 years, and MJS Mortuaries Dunkirk, Redkey and Ridgeville chapels for over 15 years. But among the many years of service his heart was always on the farm and with his family, working side by side with his two sons, Gary and Dennis; and two grandsons, Richie and Derek.
Walt is survived by his two sons, Gary Rodgers (wife: Sharon) and Dennis Rodgers (wife: Chris); five grandchildren, Jeff Blakely, Randy Blakely, Rich Rodgers, Shellie Rodgers and Derek Rodgers; 10 great-grandchildren, Jordan Blakely, Justin Blakely, Dustin Rodgers, Garrett Rodgers, Eric Smitley, Isabel Rodgers, Alaina Rodgers, Draydon Rodgers, Sloane Rodgers and Vivian Rodgers; one step-great-grandchild, Brittany Muhlenkamp.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Vivian; and two brothers, Everett and Howard Rodgers; stepson, Ronald Blakely; and granddaughter, Danielle Rodgers.
Friends are invited to call Monday, April 19, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 1 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel with Pastor Joe Hines officiating. Burial will follow in Dunkirk IOOF Cemetery, Dunkirk, Indiana, with military honors presented by the United States Army, Dunkirk, Ridgeville and Randolph County veterans, VFW and American Legion posts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church in Dunkirk, Indiana, or The American Heart Association.
Please be assured that for your health and safety, all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, government and local health department recommendations and guidelines are followed (county metrics maximum with social distancing, masks are still to be worn while in attendance, hand sanitizer will be available, extra cleaning and disinfecting measures have been taken).
Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries – Redkey Chapel.
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