Donnie was a life long resident of Lake Charles. He graduated from LaGrange High School where he excelled in vocational and technical skills as well as competing in rodeo events. He started his career at City Service as a machinist, worked at multiple Petrochemical Facilities in the area before eventually retiring from W.R. Grace. His lifetime passion was working cattle and caring for horses as well as hunting and sharing his love of the outdoors in Johnson Bayou with others. He was always willing to lend his tractor to anyone that needed a helping hand. Donnie always had a dog as a companion and never met a stray he could turn away. In his formative years he was mentored by Cliff Conner in the art of whip making, saddlery, and working with all other types of leather. Donnie was highly regarded as one of the finest leather whip makers in the Lake Charles area and his whips were highly sought after. He was a loving mentor and a caring father figure to several young men throughout his life. Donnie was always ready and willing to extend care to the needs of others before his own.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rayna Shawa Rogers of Lake Charles; twin sons who were the pride and joy of his life, Aaron Francis Shawa and Ariel Thomas Shawa both of Lake Charles; mother, Francis Ann Rogers of Lake Charles; brother, C.J. Rogers and wife Mickie of Austin, TX., Robert J. Rogers and wife Peggy of Lake Charles, and Michael L. Rogers and wife Chantell of Lake Charles; aunt, Carita D. Dunnehoo; cousins, Dee Ann Benckenstein and Dennis D. Dunnehoo; canine companions, T-Rogu, Gravy Buster, T-Mutt; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Cornelius Jospeh Dobbertine; father, Curley Paul Rogers; great aunt, Pearl Dobbertine; uncle, Elmer Dunnehoo; cousins, Jack Dunnehoo and Peggy Frost; nephews, Tyler Carrol Rogers and Justin Robert Rogers; and canine companions, Stepper, Ruby, Ru, and Scout.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Thursday, August 26, 2021 beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 p.m. and will resume on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. until the time of services. A Liturgy of the Word will be held in the funeral home on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be immediately following at Highland Memory Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Rogers family.
