William Edgar Rogers

William Edgar “Ed” Rogers, a fourth generation Texan, was born September 13, 1922, in Brownwood, Texas, to Vera and John Rogers. His youth was spent in Houston and in Yoakum, Texas, on his mother’s family farm. He attended Allen Academy in Bryan, Texas and the University of Houston.

During World War II, he served as an officer in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy. While in Naples, Ed met Mollie Johnstone, who was stationed there with the British Auxiliary Territorial Service. They were married on August 7, 1946.

Upon returning from the war, Ed and Mollie made their home and raised their three children in Baytown. In 1950, Ed began working for Sears Roebuck on South Main in Houston, and then moved to the newly opened store in Baytown.

During his years with Sears he managed the Garden Shop, the Toy Department and became the Department Head for the Home Improvement section. He retired from Sears in 1983 after 33 years of devoted employment.

Ed continued to proudly serve his country through the Army Reserve. His division had the task of conducting Mission Command and Staff Training for Army component forces and foreign militaries training. He retired from the 75th Maneuver Area Command in Houston with the rank of Colonel in 1985.

During retirement, Ed had the time to develop and enjoy his hobby of woodworking and became proficient at making furniture and other items. He was a master “Handyman” and was known as someone who could fix almost anything. He also enjoyed traveling for pleasure as well as going on numerous mission trips with his church.

Faith Presbyterian Church was Ed’s church home for over 60 years. During those years he served as a Deacon and later as an Elder on the church’s session. His talents as a woodworker and “Mr. Fix-It” were utilized as he volunteered to help maintain the First Presbyterian church campus. Ed was a member of the Knight of Pythias Lodge in Baytown for many years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Edgar Rogers; father, John Lawrence Rogers, and wife Mary “Mollie” Rogers.

Those left to honor his memory: daughter Patricia Pratt and husband James; daughter Donna Hamm and husband James; son Donald Rogers; grandchildren: Greg Pratt and wife Shalise, Stephanie Alexander and husband David, Lee Hamm and wife Sarah; Reed Hamm and wife Mary, Leigh Anne Rogers, Kyle Rogers. Great-grandchildren: Mollie, Mackenzie, Cameron Pratt; Anna and Jack Alexander; Kaylie, Carter, Preston Hamm; Katherine Hamm.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Earthman Funeral Home. Interment will be on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at Memory Gardens Cemetery, with funeral services following at 11:30 a.m., at Faith Presbyterian Church, 3900 North Main St., Baytown.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Faith Presbyterian Church Mission work area or Food Pantry.