Chester Eugene Rodgers

Chester E. Rodgers, 85, took his last flight on Sunday, June 27, 2010. He was born September 20, 1924 in Toledo, OH to the late James and Catherine (O’Neil) Rodgers. Chester retired after 28 years of service as a pilot for the US Air Force. He served during WWII, Korean and Vietnam War. Among his other medals, he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross twice during his tour in Vietnam. He divided his time during retirement between Toledo and Daytona Beach, FL where he enjoyed golfing with friends and family. He also loved to go fishing in Canada during his summers up north.

Chester is survived by a sister, Ann Nieswander of Raleigh, NC, brother, Dan Rodgers (Susan) of Toledo, OH; niece, Cathryn (Ron) Moerbe of Cary, NC; 6 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews; 7 great-great nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2010 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 9 a.m. with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 1 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Rd., Cary.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to www.uso.org or USO of North Carolina, Inc., P.O. Box 91536, Raleigh, NC 27675-1536.