David William Rogers

DAVID WILLIAM ROGERS ascended to his heavenly home and eternal glory with his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2023. He passed peacefully with his devoted and loving wife Karen and his four daughters with him at his earthly home in Slaton Hollow. David was born September 28, 1935, the 9th and youngest to Luther Forest "Johnny" Rogers and Ada Poe Rogers. David grew up on Bluemont Street during the 40s and had a paper route in town. Some of his favorite childhood memories included running to the top of Bluemont Cemetery when the airmail plane dropped the mail bag at the flag pole. He also spent many snowy days sleigh riding from Bluemont down Knotts Avenue and Luzader Street to Main Street. When WWII ended and David was 10 years old, a gentleman bought The Sentinel paper from him with the famous heading "WAR ENDED" for 50cents when the paper sold for a nickel. The family later moved to the farmhouse on 119 across from the Drive-In. In his teen and young adult years, David and his father raised strawberries and also raised Black and Tan hunting dogs and enjoyed rac"coon" hunting together.David graduated from Grafton High School, class of 1953 and began his undergraduate studies at WVU in the fall. He enlisted in the United States Army in Oct 1958 and served six years, attending basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and was stationed at Fort Monroe, VA as a dental hygienist. While finishing his enlistment, he completed his studies at WVU and graduated in August 1962. David began a 30 plus year career with the Department of Welfare in April 1964, later renamed the Department of Health and Human Services. He began his professional career as a Social Worker and later promoted to County Director. David served many years as Area Administrator for Lewis, Harrison, Doddridge, Raleigh, Taylor, Barbour and Preston Counties. He finished his career with the Department of Health and Human Services as the lead for the OSCAR project, implementing and training the first software/computer system that would enable the state's child support services to be fully automated.David's true calling and passion was serving children and youth, advocating for them, creating opportunities for them and supporting them with various programs. In serving the community and youth, David was a member of the Jaycees, Community Chest and active with the Sheltered Workshop. He was also active with the Biddy Basketball League as a coach. He was President of the Grafton High School Athletic Boosters for 15 years, beginning in 1983. He initiated and constructed the football facilities building project, and enlisted the help of many coaches and members of the community to help with the construction, which broke ground in 1984. He and a close friend, Gary Bolyard initiated and organized the annual "Bearcat Beef" fundraising project for many years in the 80s and 90s.David joined the Grafton Rotary Club in January 1983 and continued serving until his passing. He believed his opportunity to be a member of the Grafton Rotary Club was a privilege and an opportunity which had a much higher purpose than attending weekly luncheons. He fully embraced the motto"Service Above Self," always prioritizing the needs of others above his own. He was steadfast in his duties and serious about his work. During his 40 years as a Rotarian, he established The Education Endowment in 1991, which provides educational opportunities for the youth of Taylor County. He and three other Rotarians started the Honor Graduate Banquet in 1984 to annually recognize academic excellence of the graduating senior class. David and Karen supported two daughters, Leah and Regina to be Rotary Exchange Students to Finland and Australia. In return, David and Karen, hosted many exchange students over the years and he continued to be "father" and "grandfather" to them. He served as President of the Grafton Rotary Club three different times and oversaw the operations and finances of The Education Endowment for 25 years. David and his oldest daughter, Deneen redesigned the Grafton Rotary Club banner to include Grafton's Historic sites of the Mother's Day Shrine, the Anna Jarvis Birthplace, the Bailey Brown Monument, The Tygart Dam, the B&O Station, and the WV National Cemetery. His last year as Co-President in 2010-2011, he served with one of his dearest friends Paul Loar. David was a multiple "Paul Harris Fellow," which signifies his commitment to the work of Rotary andserving others. David was also inducted into the Grafton High School Hall of Fame for his dedicated work in the Grafton and Taylor County community, faithfully serving his beloved Bearcats for decades.When not serving someone, David worked tirelessly for 45 years building and remodeling thehome in Slaton Hollow. His favorite pastime was cutting grass and raking leaves on one of his John Deere riding mowers. He built his own wood working shop and used his hands to build his wife their forever home. In his retirement years, he continued to serve in Rotary and he established his own business,Puzzles M-I, making wooden logic puzzles to share and inspire others. David and Deneen created awebsite for his business and Dee designed the logo and packaging for "Elizabeth's Magic Ring," his most treasured and well-traveled puzzle. Combined with the serious work and his commitment to hiscommunity, David always found time for his family; camping at the WV state parks and the "Coon DogField Trials" throughout WV and the championship in Kenton, OH were family favorites. He raised beef cattle with his brother-in-law, Earl Miller, and he enjoyed trout fishing and deer hunting. David andKaren enjoyed many years traveling the country and taking cruises with dear friends, Bart and Ina Jean, whom David served with in the US Army. One of David's most enjoyable, peaceful moments was his annual Muskie fishing trip to Canada that he shared with friend and co-worker John Kaltenecker.David was a proud and loyal Bearcat. He helped organize the reunions for the "Nifty Fifties," which should inspire all Bearcat Alumni. For many years, he attended every Friday night home football game and attended the 1984 and the 2008 state championship games with his nephew Dougie Rogers and his daughter Lorraine. He enjoyed Mountaineer football and basketball, and he shared his passion with his daughters Lorraine and Regina. David and Lorraine were regulars at the coliseum in the late 70s and David and Regina were regulars in the late 80s and 90s. David, Karen and Regina were dedicated fans at the WVU women's basketball games for many years.David is preceded in death by his parents Luther Forest "Johnny" Rogers and Ada Poe Rogers and all of his siblings, Marie (Archie) Keefover, Luther Forest, Mabel (Buck) Moss, Mildred (Earl) Miller, Petty (Joe) Greene, Maxie (Hank) Delaney, George (Bobby Sue) Rogers and Marvin (Francis) Rogers. He is also preceded by his nephews Billy Keefover and Dougie Rogers and niece Chris Ann. David was so grateful for his parents and often shared stories with his children about them. Johnny worked as a painter and a butcher. He painted the windows of the Willard Hotel of the B&O and worked in the butcher shop behind Jenkins Cleaners across from the B&O station. Ada, compassionate and loving wife and mother, worked as a cook at Central School in Blueville.David is survived by his devoted and loving wife Karen Faye Stead Rogers of 60 years, four daughters, Ada Deneen and Bill Jett, Nancy Lorraine and Jeff Isner, Leah Marie Arnold and Regina Louise Pickens; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, including Kevin Allen and Rubiatul Curtis (Anariah and Ahmad), Jon and Shoshana Curtis (Gracen, Ella and Declan), Nancy Diane Isner, Raymond James Isner, Capt USAF, Brandon Arnold, Miranda and Brandon Grimes (Peyton and Brody), Hannah Arnold, William Oren Pickens and Matthew Rogers Pickens. David is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins. David lived a full and complete life, faithfully serving the people God gave him. He was dutiful and committed to the plan and will of God for his life. Well done, good and faithful servant!The Rogers family is so very grateful for the compassion and care provided by WV Caring. The family is very appreciative of every member of the team who provided loving care, support and guidance throughout this difficult time. Additionally, the family wishes to thank Bartlett's Funeral Home for their sensitivity in honoring all the family requests. The family desires that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to WV Caring.

Online condolences can be sent to the Rogers family  at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv@mtnfg.com Bartlett  Funeral  Home is honored to serve the Rogers family.

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