×
×
homepage logo

Obituary: Williard W. “Willie” Rodgers

Feb 18, 2004

Services for Williard W. “Willie” Rodgers, 76, Ottawa, were Feb. 9, 2004, in Ottawa, Kan., with the Rev. Earl Zimmerman officiating. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Ottawa.

Mr. Rodgers died Feb. 5, 2004, at Richmond Care Center in Richmond. He was born Dec. 9, 1927, in Ottawa, the son of Walter H. and Vinnie (DeWald) Rodgers.

He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa.

Before he retired in January 1989, Mr. Rodgers worked for 42 years as a heavy equipment operator. He worked for several companies, including Hercules (Sunflower) ammunition plant near De Soto. He was instrumental in the construction of missile bases in Missouri and Kansas and in the construction of the LaCygne power plant.

He served in 1945 and 1946 in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was stationed in Virginia.

Mr. Rodgers was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Ottawa; Local Union 101, Topeka; Warren Black Post 60 of the American Legion, Ottawa; the Over-the-Road Gang, Ottawa; Veterans Motor Car Club of America, Kansas City, Kan.; and the Ottawa Antique Car Club.

On Jan. 23, 1949, he married Dorothy Lang at Garnett. She survives, of their home.

Other survivors include three sons, Don Rodgers, Shelton, Wash., Charles “Butch” Rodgers, McLouth, and Keith Rodgers, Eudora; a daughter, Judy Van Fleet, Woodland Hills, Calif.; a sister, Gwen Whitebread, Baldwin; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, sent in care of Dengel and Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, 66067.

Condolences may be sent via e-mail to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.