Rodger Keith First

Rodger Keith First, age 81, of Brooks, Kentucky returned to his Heavenly Father on May 27, 2026. He was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania on November 16, 1944, to the late Chester and Marien First. Rodger was an Air Force veteran, an aircraft mechanic for Eastern Airlines and UPS.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie First; four sons, Chet First (Jennifer), Erik First, Ronnie Castle (Dusti) and Joe Castle (Jessica); sister, Diane Ansel; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 pm – 8 pm Monday, June 1, 2026, in the chapel at Schoppenhorst Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home (4895 N. Preston Highway). Cremation was chosen. The family of Rodger is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. In keeping with the family’s wishes, please forgo flowers, gifts, and other memorials. For those who feel called to honor Rodger’s memory, the family asks that you consider instead the very real burden carried by those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia – and by those who love them. Memory care is among the most expensive forms of long-term care in the United States, often exceeding $7,000-$9,000 per month, placing an extraordinary strain on families who are already navigating profound loss. A donation in Rodger’s name to one of the following organizations—each of which provides direct grants and respite support to memory care patients and their families—would be a meaningful and lasting tribute: Alzheimer’s Association (Local Chapter)-alzfdn.org—Hilarity for Charity—hilarityforcharity.org The family thanks you for your kindness and asks that it be directed toward those who need it most.