Joseph Craig Rogers

Craig was born on February 4, 1961 in Huntington, West Virginia. He graduated from Huntington East High School Class of ’79 and subsequently attended Marshall University. He married Melinda, in 1985 and they made their home together in Columbus, Ohio. In 1996, they welcomed their son, Jacob.

Craig was most recently employed at Ohio CAT in the Parts department. One would be hard-pressed to find someone more knowledgeable on mechanical parts than Craig. He was a car enthusiast owning over sixty cars during his lifetime. For many years, Ford was his car of choice. He was a fan of motorsports, car shows, Barrett-Jackson and Mecum Auto Auctions. He was an expert in auto detailing with a following of fans vying for his time. In his younger years, Craig’s detailing skills on a Judge’s car saved him from a possible jail stint stemming from a massive number of unpaid parking tickets at Marshall University.

He was a confident man who had no problem reaching out to a CEO of a major corporation to solve a problem. He was an astute negotiator but never unfair. He was larger than life, favoring Hawaiian shirts, cigars and a glass of bourbon. He never forgot where he came from and for years traveled to his favorite barber in Huntington, WV for a haircut. He was always up for a road trip with minimal planning. His ventures were more about the journey than the destination. His favorite travels were to the Carolinas , specifically Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks and his license plates reflected his love for OBX.

He could never pick a restaurant, but would find a favorite menu item and never waiver from it. (He would, however, get angry if the restaurant removed his favorite food from their menu.) He was well known for his homemade chili, not only for the flavor but because it required the largest pot in the house. He had a secret recipe for homemade Apple Pie Moonshine that was warming from the tip of the nose down through the toes.

Craig was a cigar aficionado and frequented central Ohio’s cigar lounges. He was caring, loyal and an entertaining storyteller. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Rogers and Judith (Via) Xenos, and by his sister, Katherine Bush. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Melinda (Welch) Rogers and son, Jacob Rogers, his stepmother, Sandra Folsom, and his brother, Bruce Hendrix, along with his extended family, Wrigley the dog, and many, many friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 1:00 pm–3:00 pm at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice in his memory. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.