Earl Rogers

Surrounded by his children, Earl Cecil Rogers passed away at his home on July 25, 2021, at the age of 83, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Earl was born on February 16, 1938, the son of Anna (Beemer) and Warren Rogers in Pine River Township, Michigan. He was the youngest of 11 children.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 29, 2021, with Pastor Ron Sischo officiating. Burial will take place at Duplain Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 4:00 - 8:00 and on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 10:00       A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Earl was a veteran serving in the United States Navy from 1955-1959. He served in the 9th Naval District, Great Lakes, Illinois, and served aboard the U.S.S Hornet for over two years.

Earl married LaVonne May Humphrey on November 13, 1958, at the Strickland Baptist Church in Shepherd, Michigan. They lived in Alma, Michigan, until moving to St. Johns in 1966. Earl retired from Oldsmobile in 1994 after 30 years of service.

Earl was an avid sports fan, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Earl was a Little League coach, Indian Guides chief, and helped with Cub Scouts. Earl was a member of First Baptist Church in St. Johns, MI.  He loved family gatherings up north at the cabin and on Colony Lake. His grandkids and great grandkids were so very special to him. He always had a shiny quarter for the great grandkids.

Earl joined TOPS Chapter 1634 in June 1999. He was the chapter king and was honored as State King in 2001. Earl was a leader and friend to all in TOPS. Earl became a KOPS member and was proud of this achievement.

Earl was well known for his volunteerism. After his retirement he devoted many volunteer hours at God's Mission Outreach, Hazel Findlay, Beacon of Hope, American Red Cross, Lions Club recycling center, and anything else he could help with.

Earl was a resident of Clinton Commons since 2018. He helped other residents and started a recycling program there. He enjoyed countless hours of playing cards and enjoying his friends at "the circle".

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Sparrow Hospital and Sparrow Hospice teams that supported them during this time.

He is survived by his children: Roxanne (Jeff) Burnham, Trisha (David) Hufnagel, Darren (Tammie) Rogers; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Zachary (Evamarie) Burnham, Vance and Jemma; Karly Burnham; Jameson (Pamarie) Hufnagel; Erickson Hufnagel; Holly (Jake) Smith, Henry and JoAnna; Alec Rogers; Sarah Witt, Veda, Tabitha, Rhiannon, and Danny; Melissa (Ray) Garcia, Everett and Lily; Nikki (Luke) Ostrowski, Sophia, Iris, and Violet; and Rachel (Andy) Strodtman. He is also survived by a sister, Edith Richards of Alma. Earl was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, just short of three months ago. He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope, c/o First Baptist Church, 512 South Whittemore Street, St. Johns, MI, 48879. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.