Max Reid Rogers

He was born on March 8, 1941, in West Salem, Illinois, the son of Loren F. and Amy S. Knachmuhs Rodgers. Max was a graduate of Wilmington High School in Wilmington, IL, Class of 1959. He went on to attended many different colleges all over the world.

On November 2, 1968, Max was united in marriage to Joyce J. Rambow in Green Garden Church in Manhattan, IL. They moved to Camden in 1985 after living in Nevada, California, Hawaii, and Virginia.

Max proudly served his country for twenty-one and a half years as a member of the United States Air Force, retiring on November 30, 1981, with a rank of Sr. Master Sgt. Max received several medals and decorations throughout his career including the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters.

He later worked for Dolphin Technologies in Oneida, and previously worked for Knowledge System Concepts in Rome.

Max was a skilled woodworker and talented musician who enjoyed old time Appalachian Mountain music. He was a history enthusiast and participated in Revolutionary War reenactments. He spent several years researching his family history, eventually tracing his roots back to Switzerland in the 1600’s. Max was a voracious reader, and was very interested in gardening. He was quite a baseball and football player in high school, and thoroughly enjoyed following those sports throughout his life. He was a former member of the Westernville American Legion Post 1846.

Surviving besides his loving wife, Joyce; are one brother, Herman L. “Buck” (Judy) Rodgers, of Wilmington, IL; a sister-in-law, Delia “Sis” Rodgers, of Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews. Max was predeceased by two brothers, D. Gene (Elaine) Rodgers, and John D. Rodgers.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial, with full military rites, will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in the West Village area.

Ingram Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to be entrusted with the local arrangements.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.ingramfh.net.