Ricky Joe Rogers

Ricky Rogers, known to friends and family as “Rick” passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018 at the age of 60 in Van Buren. Rick was a native of Fort Smith, and long-time resident of Tulsa. Rick graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa in 1976 and attended Tulsa Junior College, Oklahoma State University, and University of Arkansas School of Social Work.

Rick was more than just a son, brother, father, and grandfather. Rick was a mentor who was devoted to guiding others through extreme tribulations. Rick dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to the cause of combating drug and alcohol dependency. He worked with both adults and adolescents as a substance abuse counselor. His work also extended to family members coping with the addictions of their loved ones.

Additionally, he worked with the Tulsa County District court to provide DUI assessments, and assisted clients in evaluating need for treatment. Rick held certifications as a CADC (certified drug and alcohol counselor), as well as EGALA (equine growth and learning association). Rick`s passion for battling substance abuse derived from his own personal struggles and victories with dependency, and ability to truly relate to those he mentored. Rick has “walked the walk” and knew what it took to battle addiction. In fact, just this past year, Rick received his 30-year chip honoring his own sobriety.

Rick’s sobriety led him to become an integral part of a Motorcycle club, Survivors, which promotes the “clean and sober” lifestyle by providing camaraderie and public awareness through numerous community events. Rick “AKA Sparky” served as the National and State Treasurer in Oklahoma for this influential organization. In the later years of his life, this organization was a primary focus for Rick and many of his closest friends derived from the Survivors.

Rick Rogers is survived by his parents, Bill and Kay Rogers of Van Buren; a brother, Dicky Rogers of Muldrow; two sons, James Rogers (Dana) of Danville, KY, and Trenton Rogers (Jennifer) of Van Buren, and a daughter, Heather Chimarys (Garrett) of Arlington, TX; and nine grandchildren, Avery, Cynthia, Everette, Kendyl, Liam, Oliver, Owen, Ryland, and Sarah.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR. A private family burial of cremains will be at a later date.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Survivors Motorcycle Club.

The family will visit with friends immediately following the service at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, P.O. Box 443, Van Buren, AR 72956 or www.vbclub.org