Clinton Clint B. Rogers

Born March 22, 1923 in the rural town of Preston, Missouri, Rogers was the youngest of five children born to Sam and Franci Rogers. Always proud of his farming roots, Rogers graduated from Princeton High School in 1941 and made his way to California’s sunny coast soon after.

He came to Ventura in the summer of 1942 and went to work in construction, handling bulldozers, loaders and trenchers before he was called to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps in March 1943.

Rogers’ training aboard the B-29 Superfortress took him back to the Midwest and the Great Bend Army Air Field in Kansas. It was there while on leave Rogers met the love of his life, Bettie Jean Short, a young lady serving sandwiches and sodas at the fountain counter of a drugstore in Lyons, Kansas.

The two would have to wait for each other, though. Rogers soon left for the Pacific Theater as part of the 498th Bomb Squadron. Rogers, a tailgunner aboard the B-29 aptly named “Lucky Leven,” flew an astounding 39 of the 61 bombing missions completed by the plane.

Rogers knew firsthand the dangers faced by bomber crews in WWII. He was awarded the Purple Heart after an exploding shell punctured his plane’s undercarriage and blew shrapnel through the gunner’s seat into his hip. If it hadn’t been for the field knife on his belt, which took the brunt of the blast, his injuries might have been much worse. It was one of many close calls.

Rogers was given an honorable discharge with the rank of staff sergeant after nearly three years in the service.

Upon the end of WWII, Rogers returned to the young woman who had captivated his heart. He married Bettie Jean on May 27, 1946. The newlyweds settled in Ventura, where Rogers worked hard in the construction industry. The couple bought a home and soon had two daughters, Cheri and Penny—both of whom Rogers loved very much.

When not spending time with his family or working a bulldozer, Rogers enjoyed escaping into the surrounding mountains to hunt and fish. He delighted in dogs, especially the many Brittany Spaniels he raised and trained with the skill of a master handler.

Rogers retired from the construction industry and spent his days enjoying his four grandchildren, often taking them on camping trips and other adventures. Known for his infectious, full-body laugh, Rogers loved playing practical jokes with his grandkids, often wrapping gifts in unique and hilarious ways.

For over 30 years, he was a devoted member of Grace Church in Ventura.

Rogers rarely missed a Lakers game and even had the rare opportunity to sit courtside to watch his team play at the Staples Center. Rogers, a classic car aficionado, jetted around town in his 1990 Mustang, a car he kept well into his 80s.

Rogers also loved family barbecues and especially took joy in his six great-grandchildren. It wasn’t until his illness forced him to stay home that he missed any of his grandkids’ sporting events or dance recitals. He learned recently there would be a seventh great-grandchild.

As the nurse said in Rogers’ final days, “He has a strong heart.” Indeed he did.

Rogers is survived by Bettie Jean, his loving wife of 67 years; his daughters, Cheri Colantino (husband, Ron) of Keizer, Oregon, and Penny Ruffinelli (husband, Ric) of Ventura; grandchildren, Jeff Colantino (wife, Stephanie) of Vancouver, Washington, Chris Ruffinelli (wife, Megan) of Ventura, Gina Wolowicz (husband, Daniel) of Ventura, and Kimberly Colantino (husband, Jim Gores) of Keizer, Oregon.; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, Madalynn and Jacklynn Ruffinelli; Marina and Tyler Wolowicz and Elijah Gores.

Services will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013, 11 a.m., at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, with The Reverend Dr. Tracy Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church, 65 South MacMillan Avenue, Ventura, CA, 93001.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.