Bobby Gene Rogers

Bobby G. Rogers died on June 18, surrounded by his family in the same Fort Smith hospital where he worked and retired. He was 86. Born in Pawpaw, Oklahoma, Rogers lived a life deeply devoted to his family, God, and country.

He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a CPO in 1971 – ready to reactivate if needed until the day he died. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith and was beloved by his wife of 44 years, two sons and four grandchildren.

He held memberships in the Freemasons at Bruton Lodge in Muldrow, American Association of Naval Hospital Corpsman, and the VFW, among others. He was the second-ever recipient of the Cherokee Warrior Award, recognizing his service in the Navy.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Lori Rogers; two sons, Robert Michael Rogers, of San Antonio, TX, and Ronald Ernest Little, of Tallahassee, FL; four grandsons, Ryan Erin Little & wife Kristine of Washington, D.C., Austin Bradley Little and fiancée Lindsay-Rae Sloan of Tallahassee, FL, John Christopher Rogers and wife Idelia and Thomas Evans Rogers, both of San Antonio, TX; and one great grandson, Nathaniel Rogers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John “George” Rogers and Anie Lillian Davis Rogers and his siblings, Thomas F. Rogers, Harry Y. Rogers, Viola Rogers, Earlie Mable Rogers, Charles W. “Buck” Rogers, Faye Rogers, George C. Rogers, Francis Odessa Rogers, James D. “J.D.” Rogers, Frank Rogers, William H. Rogers and Ott Lee Rogers.

Pallbearers will be his friend, Greg Sharp and his great great nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews and friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.

Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at the U.S. National Cemetery with Full Military Honors under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Renovation Fund.