Lloyd E. Rogers

Many things can be said about Lloyd E. Rogers. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Lloyd was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

      Lloyd was born on June 19, 1933 at home in Preble County, Ohio. His parents were Roy and Ada (Petry) Rogers. Lloyd was raised in Darke County, Ohio. When he was young, Lloyd's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Lloyd demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

      Lloyd grew up with two siblings, sisters Mary Lou and Norma Jean. Lloyd was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Lloyd carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Lloyd was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

      As a young boy, Lloyd was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Lloyd could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in basketball. However, to Lloyd, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

      During his high school years, Lloyd had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from New Madison High School in 1950. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Lloyd had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Lloyd was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Lloyd as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

      Always considered a “good” friend, Lloyd sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Lloyd always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Lloyd’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Lloyd would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Lloyd was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bob Timmons and Richard Wade. Later in life, he became friends with Duane and Phyllis Wetzel, Norm and Barb Weimer, and Bob and Lee Farmer.

      On February 23, 1957 Lloyd married Janice Ann House at the Castine Church of the Brethren in Castine, Ohio. Compassionate and devoted, Lloyd worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Janice came first in Lloyd’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Janice’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Lloyd did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Lloyd was truly a person of empathy.

      Lloyd’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Lloyd shared these values with his three children, daughters, Denise Miller, Cherie Jobes, and Peggy Ristau. Lloyd was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Megan, Manda, Tessa, Tyler, Ricci, Shelby, Savanah, and Sydney, and four great grandchildren, Joey, Mia, Evie, Gavin, and one soon to be great grandson, Owen. Lloyd related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

      Lloyd experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was as a life long farmer. He was employed for 16 years as a Butler Township Trustee. Lloyd always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Lloyd took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Lloyd was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Lloyd continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

      Lloyd was not in the military as he was a conscientious objector due to religous beliefs.

      Because he was organized and methodical, Lloyd took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was RV camping. Lloyd enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      Lloyd derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Lloyd delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Lloyd played basketball. Recreational sports included playing basketball. Lloyd was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was college basketball.

      Throughout his life, Lloyd was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Lloyd was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Lloyd was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Lloyd’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Lloyd’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. In high school, Lloyd was a member of the FFA and school band.

      Lloyd’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Castine Church of the Brethren for 70 years. During that time, he was a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and also served as the treasurer. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

      Lloyd enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Lloyd were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Branson, Missouri and Hawaii.

      Lloyd was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Lloyd's favorites was Bingo, a Collie. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by Lady, Candy and Sybil, all German Shepherds.

      When Lloyd’s retirement finally came from farming in 1998, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Lloyd had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Lloyd knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved staying in the Arcanum area to stay close to his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in working for five years at the Arcanum Hardware store. Even in retirement, Lloyd continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Lloyd passed away on July 27, 2015 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. Lloyd died suddenly from peritonitis. He is survived by his wife, Janice Rogers; daughters and spouses, Denise and Tim Miller, Cherie and Jeff Jobes, and Peggy and Steve Ristau; grandchildren and spouses, Megan Miller and fiancée, Evan Jackson, Manda and Chris Jones, Tyler and Melinda Jobes, Tessa Jobes, Shelby and Justin Rowland, Savanah Anderson and fiancée, Clay Stickley, Sydney Anderson, and Ricci and Mike Bailey; great grandchildren, Joey Bailey, Mia Bailey, Evie Bailey, Gavin Jones and expected great grandson, Owen; and sister Norma Bruscato. Services were held at Castine Church of the Brethren. Lloyd was laid to rest in Castine Cemetery in Castine, Ohio.

      Throughout his life, Lloyd was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Lloyd leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Lloyd E. Rogers.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lloyd E. Rogers age 82, of Arcanum, Ohio passed away at 2:29 A.M. on Monday, July 27, 2015 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. Lloyd was born June 19, 1933 in Preble County, Ohio to the late Roy F. & Ada B. (Petry) Rogers.

Lloyd is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janice (House) Rogers whom he married February 23, 1957; daughters & sons-in-law, Denise & Tim Miller of Greenville, Cherie & Jeff Jobes of Arcanum and Peggy & Steve Ristau of Arcanum; grandchildren, Megan Miller & fiancée, Evan Jackson, Manda & Chris Jones, Tyler & Melinda Jobes, Tessa Jobes, Shelby & Justin Rowland, Savanah Anderson & fiancée, Clay Stickley, Sydney Anderson and Ricci & Mike Bailey; great-grandchildren, Joey Bailey, Mia Bailey, Evie Bailey, Gavin Jones and one expected great-grandson, Owen; sister, Norma Bruscato of Sun City, Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Lloyd was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Bailey.

Lloyd was a lifelong farmer and a Butler Township Trustee for 16 years. Lloyd formerly worked at Arcanum Hardware. Lloyd was a member of Castine Church of the Brethren. Lloyd enjoyed camping and he belonged to several RV Clubs. He was a supporter of the Darke County Fair.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Castine Church of the Brethren 624 US RT 127 Arcanum, Ohio with Pastor Gary Cloyd and Bill House officiating. Burial will follow in Castine Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville and Thursday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Castine Church of the Brethren.