Eugene Rogers

Gene was born in Newton, Ks. on December 14, 1927. He died on July 7, 2018, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly (Flinn), his parents Walt and Roberta Rogers, his son, Doug Rogers and his sister, Marietta Vollbracht. Gene grew up around the Newton area and graduated from Newton high school. He developed into an accomplished athlete during his high school years and then enlisted in the United States Navy at the end of World War II. After his service, he enrolled at Colorado University where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. Baseball scouts pursued him throughout his college career but he chose to stay and complete his degree in business. The summer before his senior year at Colorado, he met and married a Newton girl, Beverly Flinn (yes, it happened that fast) after which they returned to Colorado where he finished his degree. Gene then signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs, traveling with their farm club for a year until he injured his throwing shoulder. He finished his baseball career playing for the Boeing bombers from 1953 through 1957 and was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. He also found great success as a businessman ending up with Love Box Company where he spent many years as its Senior Vice President and General Manager. During his 32 years there he made many lifetime friends from every corner of the company, including Bob Love.

Gene lived a full life, but he considered his family his greatest achievement. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, and cherished his relationship with Zelph Powell in later years. Gene was a follower of Jesus Christ and treasured Friday mornings with Marvin Martin and his beloved Bible study group. Though Bev passed away in 1999 Gene stayed active in the community up until he became bound to his wheelchair in early 2018. He was unfailingly positive, fiercely loyal to friends and family, had a wonderful sense of humor and never lost his zest for life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him! Gene is survived by three of his children, Debbie Elwick (Ray), Kathy Munley (J.D.) David Rogers (Sally), daughter-in-law Kathy Rogers, sister, Kay Sennett (Jeff), 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.