Thomas Rogers

Thomas Rogers, better known as Tom, passed on to Heaven on November 27, 2023. We know he’s there because he was adamant as a God-loving Christian that he was going to meet and be with God. His faith was unshakeable.

Born in 1942, Tom grew up primarily in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, before joining the Army. He served with honor in Vietnam before meeting his wife of 57 years, Claudia, who survives him. Their relationship developed from a blind date while he was home on leave to engagement in just three dates. They were married about six months later. Tom would tell people Marilyn Monroe looked like his wife, and he had pictures to prove it!

Tom and Claudia started their life together in Florida where he was stationed, then moved back to Missouri when he separated from the Army. He went on to become a professional engineer, designing telephone systems for Southwestern Bell and working with IBM as they developed the first personal computer. He even sent an experiment to the moon. After multiple moves across the United States that included a career change or two, Tom finished his career with the Kansas Turnpike Authority. He and Claudia retired to Colorado Springs and were thrilled when all three of their kids (now adults) followed them to the mountains. Long-time residents of the Garden of the Gods area, Tom moved into memory care this past summer and remained there through his transition.

In addition to Claudia, Tom is survived by his three children, Patsy (Jon) Prather, Barbara (Wayne) VanderPol, and Thom Rogers; as well as his two grandchildren, whom he cherished, Brenden and Kody.

He will be interred in his family plot in Webster Groves, Missouri.