Van Norman Rodgers died Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home in Midland, Texas with his sweetheart wife, Carol nearby. A resident of Midland for virtually his entire life, he was recognized as an extraordinary professional landman, a committed friend to many, and a Christian whose life bore testimony to his faith.
Van was born on October 25, 1950 in Midland, Texas. His parents were Dan VanLeer Rodgers and Dorothy Looper Rodgers and he was the middle kid with two sisters, Susan and Beth. He grew up in what is now known as Old Midland on Bedford Street with a close circle of neighborhood young families. He attended Sam Houston Elementary, San Jacinto Jr. High, and Midland High School where he played football and was active in Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1973 where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Van pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity and has enjoyed a deep, lifelong relationship with the Phi Delts. He was particularly instrumental in orchestrating several small and large reunions of men he loved, even as recently as a few weeks ago.
His love of the oil and gas business, and his passionate interest in ranching and the cowboy way of doing things, followed him throughout his life and became the road for his pursuits. During his working career, Van was both an independent petroleum landman and a company man working for companies such as Concho Resources, Nearburg Producing Company, Henry Resources, and Piedra Resources. Each place he worked, he was regarded as excellent in his knowledge, skill, and work ethic and built many friendships that continued for the remainder of his life. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen and the Permian Basin Landmen’s Association.
Van’s pursuits included everything Texas and cowboying and he was proud to be the great grandson of Texas Ranger Norman Rodgers. As a boy, Van’s Uncle Novice Rodgers would regularly take him to the family’s Garza County ranch near Post, Texas and out of those trips, Van was hooked that ranching and the cowboy way of life was pretty special. He took up team roping and was a pretty good heeler with his first horse, Buddy, and then followed by his next horse, Beans. Among the hardest days of Van’s life was the day his roping horses died. There is a special bond between a good horse and his rider.
Van served on the board of the Sandhills Rodeo and Quarter Horse Show for several years and put in long hours helping with the event. Quail hunting, fishing, grilling and cooking, making jerky, and pursuing family history were others of Van’s interests.
Van was a collector owning spurs, knives, watches, and numerous pairs of boots. But the things Van collected best were friendships. He maintained high school and college friendships and he was the very best at staying in touch by phone or making plans for gatherings. And it wasn’t just the guys; Van had lots of “girl” friends. The phone calls and personal visits were always full of Van’s storytelling and humorous remembrances and accented by Van’s laugh akin to a machine gun.
He married Carol Brannan on October 10, 2009 at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas and they were devoted to one another throughout their marriage. The marriage brought Carol’s children into Van’s life which gave him an extra measure of happiness.
Van Rodgers was loved by his family and many friends and in return, he loved deeply and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. He will most be remembered for his strong Christian values and his wonderful sense of humor. He and Carol were members of the First Presbyterian Church.
Van is survived by: his wife, Carol; a stepdaughter, Erin Mannix and her husband, Kevin and their children, Harleigh Lewis and her husband Nick (and their daughter Layne), McLane, and Brannan; a stepson, Lane Brannan and his wife, Stefanie and their daughters, Etta, Amelia, and Olivia. Van is also survived by two stepdaughters from a previous marriage, Ashley Martens and Kate Neary. Also part of his remainder family are his sisters, Susan Rodgers Gust and her husband, Steve, of Lincoln, CA, and Beth Rodgers Murphy and her husband, Dennis, of Stafford, VA, as well as two nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Dorothy Rodgers.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday evening, March 27th from 5 pm to 7 pm at Ellis Funeral Home, 4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79705
A memorial service for Van Rodgers will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 28th at First Presbyterian Church, 800 West Texas Avenue, Midland with Pastor Steve Schorr officiating. A reception will follow in the Lynn Fellowship Hall. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Nobles, McLane Mannix, Brannan Mannix, Nick Lewis, Bob Elliott, Mike Atnipp, Steve Fisher, and Terry Fields.
Memorials may be directed to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or Midland Humane Coalition, PO Box 53213, Midland TX 79710.
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