Robert Ivan Rogers
Robert Ivan Rogers, 93, was born on March 10, 1933, and passed away peacefully in his home on March 27, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lura Estadt Rogers, and by his sister Arlene Rogers Little and her husband Lloyd of Omak, WA. He is survived by his sister Flora Rogers of Omak, WA, daughter Christine Rogers Neely and husband David of Gig Harbor, WA, son Allen Rogers and partner Albertine LeBlanc of Stowe, MA, and son Clint Rogers and partner Lana Gee of San Francisco, CA. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Nicholas Banks, Brian Banks and wife Stevi, Olivia Rogers Brunell and husband Nick, David Rogers and wife Tania, and 2 great-grandchildren, Milo Banks and Hazel Banks.
“Bob” was born in Nebraska and raised in Omak, Washington. In high school, he excelled at both football and basketball. He attended the University of Washington on scholarship and played football, became a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity, and obtained an Air Force ROTC Scholarship. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry in 1956, he took a commission in the United States Air Force, attended pilot training, and received his Air Force pilot wings in 1957.
Highlights of his military career included piloting KC-135 Stratotanker refueling jet aircraft while stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and HH-53 “Super Jolly Green Giant” helicopters while serving in Vietnam, accumulating over 6000 hours of flight time, including over 300 hours of combat flight time. While in Vietnam, he was the Operations Officer of the 21st Special Operations Squadron. After his tours in Vietnam, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served as Base Commander of Transportation at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. During his more than 20-year Air Force career, he received numerous awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bob moved with his wife Lura and children to the Caldwell, Ohio area in 1976. In addition to farming and raising cattle, he earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and became bank manager at BancOhio (now PNC Bank) in Zanesville. Bob enjoyed golfing and was an active member of the local community, joining the Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department and attending Catholic Church in Belle Valley and Caldwell. Bob happily spent the last 50 years of his life on his beloved farm, leaving behind numerous friends and family who loved him dearly. He will be remembered and missed by all who were blessed with knowing him.
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, there will be a graveside ceremony at the Mount Olivet Cemetery Pavilion in Caldwell, Ohio at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life and Reception from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Saint Stephen’s Church basement in Caldwell. All friends are welcome to share memories and condolences.
McVay Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street in Caldwell is caring for the family. An online guest book may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com.