Rodgers, Alton E.

Train Accident At Columbus Fatal To Alton Rodgers

Alton Rodgers, 36,formerly of the Oak Grove area south of here, was killed instantly last Wednesday afternoon, May 28, when a locomotive under which he was working was pushed by another train.

Relatives here said both is legs were cut off, his neck was broken and his body and face were otherwise mangled.

The tragic accident occurred at the Thorstenberg and Tamborello gravel pit near Columbus, in the Ramsey vicinity. Mr. Rodgers was believed to have been investigating the brakes on his locomotive, commonly known as a "dinky", which he had been driving. The other locomotive and string of cars was driven by Albert Stern, also formerly of here.

Funeral services were held Friday morning at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbus with burial in the Mentz (Zoar) cemetery.

Born at Oak Grove, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Rodgers, who now live at Columbus, Mr. Rodgers attended the Oak Grove school before entering military service in World War II. He had worked for the gravel company several years.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his wife, the former Bernice Luedecke whom he married in 1946; one daughter, Susan 9; twin sons, Donald and Daniel, 5; two sisters, Mrs. Leo Kohleffel of Columbus and Mrs. Tom Holland of Houston; and a brother, Lester Rodgers of Jacksonville.

Weimar Mercury, June 6, 1958
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Rodgers, Annette (Seaholm)

Hospital Bd. Pres. Annette Rodgers Dies
Rice CISD School Nurse

One of the community’s most beloved persons and one who has dedicated her life to the service and care of other’s, Mrs. Earl Rodgers, Jr., formerly Annette Seaholm, closed her eyes to a peaceful rest in Rosewood General Hospital in Houston at 12:15 p.m. Monday July 21st. Mrs. Rodgers had been ill for only a short time and was first admitted to the hospital on June 16th. Her passing brought great shock and sadness to her family and to her friends in this and surrounding communities.

She had been making plans to resume her duties next month as the School Nurse for the Rice Consolidated Independent School District when she was stricken with a fatal illness.

A native of this community, she was born February 2, 1927 in Eagle Lake, the daughter of Ernest and Susie Payne Seaholm. She was a graduate of Eagle Lake Hight School and in 1947 was a graduate of John Sealy Nursing School in Galveston and was licensed by the State of Texas as a Registered Nurse. Since that time she has been actively participating in the care of others. She had been the school nurse in the Rice District for the past six years and had attended a School Nurses’ Workshop June 9-13 in Houston, missing only one day of the workshop due to inclement weather, when she became ill only a few days later.

Mrs. Rodgers was one of the original members of the board of directors of the Eagle Lake Community Hospital foundation and has served as the only president of the board since its inception in April of 1967. She was one of those who worked so hard for the erection of the beautiful new Eagle Lake Community Hospital.

She was also active in the Texas Nursing Association and was appointed as a representative and member of the Houston-Galveston Area Council. She took pride in her affiliation with the University of Texas Exes Association and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a faithful member and worker in the First Presbyterian Church in Eagle Lake.

At Rice High School she was the sponsor of the Health Club and participated in the state programs. She and her husband owned and operated the A. B. Grocery, in the location of the present Miller’s Grocery, for a number of years. She actively served as superintendent of nurses at the Laughlin Hospital several decades ago and saw service in Columbus and Wharton hospitals.

She was also active in the work of the Eagle Lake Hospital Auxiliary (Pink Ladies) and contributed many hours to this service of others.

She and Earl Rodgers, Jr., were united in Marriage in a ceremony at the Seaholm home in Eagle Lake on May 21st, 1948.

Surviving to mourn the loss of this loved one are her husband, Earl Rodgers, Jr; two sons, Larry Rodgers and Ernie Rodgers, both of this city; her mother, Mrs. Ernest Seaholm of Eagle Lake; two sisters, Mrs. Lloyd (Louise) Spalinger of Eagle Lake and Miss Ernest Mae Seaholm of San Antonio, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Larry (Charlene) Rodgers of this city; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were scheduled to be held from the chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m. this Wednesday, July 23rd with the Rev. Olen Kennell, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment was to follow in the Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers were to be Ted Brunner, Raymond Waddell, Jim Clipson, William H. Harrison, Dr. J. C. Laughlin, and Dr. Raymond R. Thomas.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the family in their great loss. Her passing leaves a heavy feeling of sadness in this community.

Eagle Lake Headlight, July 24, 1975
Submitted by Ernest Mae Seaholm

Rodgers, Bernice (Luedecke)

Bernice Luedecke Rodgers
March 16, 1924 - July 14, 2012

Bernice Rodgers, 88, of Columbus, Texas and formerly of Bernardo/Mentz area passed away on July 14, 2012 in Weimar, Texas. She was born on March 16, 1924 to Otto Charles and Hedwig "Hattie" (Meyer) Luedecke in Mentz, Texas.

Bernice was retired store clerk and had previously worked for Schuberts Dry Goods Store, Waldvogels Clothing Store, Walker-Kurth Lumber Company, Simmons Lumber Company and docent for United Daughters of the Confederacy (U.D.C.) Museum in Columbus for seven years and did woodcrafts.

On November 17, 1946, she married Alton E. Rodgers.

She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary in Columbus.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Susan Rogers and husband Ronnie of Columbus, TX; son, Donald Charles Rodgers and wife Carol of Bellville, TX; daughter-in-law, Peggy Brune Rodgers of Mentz, TX; sister, Lee Esther Wright of Bernardo, TX; brother, Werner "Sonny" Luedecke and wife Juanita of Columbus, TX; and four grandchildren, Tracy Kennedy, Nathan Rodgers and spouse Rachel, Justin Rodgers and Jacob Rodgers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton E. Rodgers, parents, Otto Charles and Hedwig "Hattie" Luedecke, son, Daniel E. Rodgers, and two brothers, Kermit Luedecke and Lester Luedecke.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 16, 2012, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm & Tuesday, July 17, 2012 8:00 am to12:00 noon at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas; and also from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Church.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 2:00 pm at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Jeffrey Marsh officiating.

Burial will take place in the Zoar Lutheran Cemetery in Mentz, Texas. Pallbearers are Everett Wright, James Luedecke, Floyd Nielsen, Nathan Rodgers, Justin Rodgers and Jacob Rodgers.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, TX 78934.

From the Henneke Funeral Home Website
Contributed by Susan Rodgers

Rodgers, Dale Margaret (Simpson)

Rodgers

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Earl (Dale S.) Rodgers, Sr., age 92, of Eagle Lake, Wednesday, June 25 at Dulany Funeral Home with Rev. Melburn Sibley of the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake officiating.

Burial was at the Masonic Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Mrs. Rodgers was born in Bryson. Texas on January 4, 1894 and had lived in Eagle Lake since 1936.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl H. Rodgers, Sr. in 1964 [She was also preceded in death by her parents, a twin brother Date Simpson, a sister Inez Simpson Newman, a sister Maud Simpson, and an infant son William Owen Rodgers in 1919. ]

Survivors include, her son, Earl Rodgers, Jr., grandsons Ernie and Larry Rodgers and great-grandchildren, Justin, Kurt and Vanessa Rodgers all of Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were Melvin Stancik, Frank Higgins, Bruce Waddell, B. F., Blair, Ted Brunner and Tommy Pilkington.

Colorado County Citizen, July 3, 1986

Rodgers, Daniel “Danny”

Rodgers

Daniel “Danny” Rodgers, 52, of Mentz, passed away March 5 at Columbus Community Hospital.

He was born July 18, 1953 to Alton Edgar and Bernice (Luedecke) Rodgers and married Peggy Brune Aug. 10, 1974. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Hanson Aggregate Arena Plant in Garwood and was a member of the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Otto and Hattie Luedecke and Edgar and Annie Rodgers.

He is survived by his wife; mother; sister, Susan Rodgers and husband, Ronnie, of Columbus; brother, Donald Rodgers and wife, Carol, of Bellville; brother-in-law, Mark Brune and wife, Sheri, of Friendswood; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kermit and Evelyn Brune, of Columbus; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus with the Rev. Jeffrey Marsh officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus with Columbus Volunteer Fire Department honors.

Pallbearers are Columbus Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers are all members of the CVFD.

Colorado County Citizen, March 8, 2006
Courtesy of The Citizen

Rodgers, Edgar H.

Edgar H. Rodgers Dies Suddenly; Burial Sunday

Last rites for Edgar H. Rodgers, 65, were held at Columbus Funeral home Sunday afternoon, the Rev. Logan Cummings of the First Baptist church of Columbus officiating. Burial was in Live Oak cemetery.

Mr. Rodgers died suddenly at his home of a heat attack shortly after midnight Oct. 5. He had suffered with heart trouble previously but had seemed in good health for the past several months. He and Mrs. Rodgers had just attended the Fort Bend county fair Saturday and had returned to their home late that evening.

A native of Skidmore, his birth date was July 10, 1898. He and Mrs. Rodgers had lived in the Live Oak community until 16 years ago when they moved to Columbus. He was a member of the Baptist church.

Besides his widow, the former Annie Ehlert, he is survived by a son, Lester, of Greenville; 2 daughters, Mrs. Leo Kohleffel of Columbus and Mrs. Tom Holland of Houston and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Bernice Rodgers of the Mentz community. A son, Alton, was killed May 28, 1958, in a gravel pit accident. Thirteen grandchildren also survive and 4 brothers, Earl and Homer of Weimar and Urban and Everett of Galveston and 2 sisters, Mrs. Pearl Wagley of Galveston and Mrs. Archie McGowen of South Houston.

Pallbearers were his nephews, Roger Foree, Urban Rodgers, Carl Stibbens, Brandon Vickers, Floyd Green and Elton Volkman.

Colorado County Citizen, October 10, 1963, page 8

Rodgers, Emma Catherine (Bowen)

Mrs. Emma Rodgers Rites Held Sunday

The body of Mrs. Emma Catherine Rodgers, 76, wife of the late Dave Washington Rodgers and resident of Galveston for 25 years, who died at 3:15 a. m. yesterday at John Sealy Hospital, will be forwarded over the Southern Pacific Railway by Malloy & Son at 7:10 p.m. today to Weimar for services and interment.

Mrs. Rodgers, who was born in Georgia Oct 19, 1861, and who resided here with her daughter, Miss Jodie Rodgers, 1713 M 1/2, is survived by: Three sons, Duff Rodgers of Galveston, Jim Rodgers of Sealy, and Lee Rodgers of Fort Worth; two daughters, Miss Rodgers of Galveston, and Mrs. C. L. Hornback of Fullerton, Cl.; four sisters, Mrs. J. G. Berthold of El Campo, Mrs. Louis Berthold of Glidden, Mrs. W. A. Rodgers of Weimar, and Mrs. W. A. Falks of Galveston; ten grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and other relatives.--Galveston News.

Mrs. Rodgers’ funeral took place Sunday afternoon at the Live Oak Cemetery, south of Weimar, with Rev. C. L. Boone, Baptist minister,officiating. The funeral was largely attended.

Pall bearers were: Thurman, Hanzie Lee, Walter and Edgar Rodgers, grandsons, and Edgar and Earl Rodgers, Nephews.

Mrs. Rodgers was the widow of the late Dave Rodgers, and the family lived in this city for several years, Mr. Rodgers being employed as warehouseman at the freight depot here. His death occurred in Galveston several years back. Mrs. Rodgers, although away from Weimar for many years, is still well and favorably remembered. She was a devoted wife, mother and neighbor, and her passing is noted with extreme regret by many citizens of this city and section.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, February 11, 1938, page 1

Rodgers, Gilbert E. "Doc"

Rodgers, Longtime Store Owner, Dies

Gilbert "Doc" Rodgers of Weimar, retired owner-manager of Western Auto Assoc. Store, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 6:28 p.m. in Colorado-Fayette Medical center, after a short illness. He was 70.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 4, from St. Michael Catholic Church, with burial in the parish cemetery. Father John Bily officiated, assisted by Deacon Joey Targac.

Rodgers was born Oct. 4, 1920, at Zapp, a son of Willie Earl and Clara (Hoyo) Rodgers. Before moving to Weimar in 1936, he lived at Willow Springs, Oak Grove and Glidden. After graduation from Weimar High School in 1940, he enrolled in Landig College of Mortuary Science & Embalming School at Houston, receiving his license as a mortician. He was in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, serving as a surgical technician at Aloe Field in Victoria.

On Dec. 26, 1942, he married Dorothy Vacek. He owned and managed Western Auto Store here for 32 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion and was a past commander of the Legion post.

His wife survives him, along with three sons, John Rodgers of Conroe, Luke Rodgers of Conroe and Paul Rodgers of Richmond; a daughter, Ann Toppel of Conroe; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Clifton Rodgers of Dallas; and three sisters, Earline Alexander of San Antonio, Una Mae Muse of San Antonio, and Gladys Lamkin of Weimar. A son, Gilbert H. Rodgers, his parents, and a brother, Calvin Rodgers, preceded him in death.

Serving as pallbearers were John Hoyo Jr., a cousin; David Rogers, Ron Rogers, Brad Lamkin and Jerry Landers, nephews; and Marshall Toppel, a son-in-law.

Weimar Mercury, January 10, 1991

Rodgers, Gilbert Henry

Rodgers 4-Year-Old In Critical Condition

The sympathy of numerous friends here is with Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert E. (Doc) Rodgers of Glidden, whose 4-year-old son, Gilbert Jr., is critically ill in Hermann Hospital, Houston.

Under hospital treatment for about the past two weeks, the little lad was operated upon twice, the second time revealing a malignant tumor.

Gilbert Jr. is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Rodgers of Oak Grove and Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Vacek of Weimar.

Weimar Mercury, June 27, 1952, page 1

Illness Fatal to Rodgers Child, 4; Rites Held Tuesday

Funeral services for Gilbert Henry Rodgers, 4-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. G. E. (Doc) Rodgers of this city, were held Tuesday morning at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, with interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

The little boy’s condition, since the discovery of a malignant growth last June, had at times been critical and at other times very encouraging. After two months in Herman Hospital, Houston, he had been at home since the first of September. While the nature of his illness made recovery almost impossible, his death Sunday at Renger Hospital, Hallettsville, came as a saddening shock to his family and their many friends.

Survivors in addition to his parents are a sister, Ann 3; a brother, John Charles, 14 months; and his grandparents, Mr. and E. C. Vacek of Weimar and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Rodgers of Oak Grove.

Weimar Mercury, December 12, 1952, page 1

Rodgers, Infant

OAK GROVE ITEMS

The body of the infant babe of Mr. and Mrs. Charley Rodgers of Galveston was brought here Friday of last week and laid tor rest by the side of its grandparents, Billie Rodgers and David Rodgers, in the Live Oak Cemetery.. Baby Rodgers was born Jan. 17, 1928, and its little spirit was called back to its Creator the following day. What a precious gift to be recalled so soon from a home that so craved the little life. Weep not, young parents. Born to this earth an angel, it is with the angels of Heaven now; a tiny bud on earth, a perfect rose in Heaven. Think of the sweet little jewel all your own that the Saviour counts among His gems.

Weimar Mercury, February 2, 1928, page 3

Rodgers, Jewel Smith

Galveston Lady Is Buried Here

The body of Mrs. Jewel Smith Rodgers. beloved wife of Mr. Chas. Rodgers, of Galveston. was brought here Friday morning, and in the afternoon of same day was laid to rest in the cemetery at Live Oak. a few miles from Weimar. Rev. J.. H. Hall, local Baptist minister, officiating in the presence of a large gathering of mourning relatives and friends.

Mrs. Rodgers is survived by her husband, Mr. Chas. Rodgers, two children, Marvin and Dorothy, six brothers and two sisters, all of Missouri, except one residing at Barker, Texas. Mrs. Rodgers was born Feb. 9. 1904. and died Aug. 20. 1929. She was a member of the Christian Church. Her husband is a son of the late David Rodgers, who lived in this section for many years, later removing with his family to Galveston.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, August 20, 1929, page 1

Rodgers, Lester G.

Lester G. Rodgers

News of the above tragic happening reached Weimar citizens about 9 o’clock Thursday right, and sent a thrill of horror into their hearts. We have copied above from the Beaumont Enterprise, which paper had the most graphic report of the accident of any that we have seen. [See page one of Weimar Mercury, January 29, 1932]

The remains of young Rodgers were brought here early Saturday morning and that afternoon were conveyed by hearse and wagon to the Live Oak Cemetery southeast of Weimar for interment. Due to terrible condition of roads, it was impossible for the hearse to negotiate the distance from the highway to the cemetery, hence use of the wagon. It was also necessary to repair the roads in several places before vehlcles of any kind could traverse them. Despite the many hindrances the funeral was largely attended, as this young man was one of the most popular and highly regarded of any that ever lived in this section. Deep sorrow was in evidence on every face as the body of the young man was tenderly laid to rest in the Live Oak Cemetery.

Lester P.[sic] Rodgers was born and raised in the Live Oak community. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Rodgers, respected residents of Live Oak. Ambitious, the young man early m life came to Weimar to attend our Weimar High School, working his way through, with what assistance his parents could render him. He roomed and boarded at the home of Mrs. Sallie Chandler during his stay here. He graduated with distinction, and afterward secured certificate to teach school, which profession he adopted as his life's calling. He was elected principal of various schools, where he served with satisfaction and distinction.

The last school he served was the one at Winnie, and here we are told be gave the utmost satisfaction to both patrons and pupils. Deeply interested in athletics, he had organized a fine basketball team, and this team on that
fatal day he had taken over to Beaumont to play a game. It was while returning homeward from this game that the tragic accident happened which took poor Lester’s life, as well as that of two others, one of them one of his pupils. It occurred so quickly and unexpectedly that the victims probably had no inkling of same until Death was upon them. It was indeed a deplorable, deeply regrettable accident, and one that has caused deepest sorrow to pervade the hearts of his loved ones and hundreds of friends throughout this section.

Lester Rodgers was a noble young man. The writer knew him from infancy and always regarded him as one of our finest, most upstanding young men. Upright, honorable, ambitious, studious, courteous to everyone with whom he came in contact, devoted to his aged parents, brothers and sisters, he was a welcome addition to any circle in which he chose to move. Not one word against his character did we ever hear uttered, and that can be said of but few young men in this day and time. Lester Rodgers led a good, clean life, arid with such a record behind him we know the pearly gates opened far and wide to receive him as he entered into "that bourne from which no traveler returns.”

Our deep and sincere sympathy goes out to his aged parents, brothers and sisters in their tragic hour of grief. May a Merciful Father comfort them in their sorrow!

Weimar Mercury, January 29, 1932, page 8

OAK GROVE ITEMS

...Lester was born Feb. 6, 1902, and had attained the age of 29 years, 11 months and 21 days. He had taught school bout ten years, in different places, and this year was teaching in Winnie, Texas, near which place the accident occurred. His death, at an age when life held forth so many pleasures and opportunities, is indeed sad to contemplate.

Funeral services were conducted from the Baptist Church in Weimar to the family lot in the Live Oak Cemetery. Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the Baptist minister of that place. Rev. Clem Hardy, officiating in a touching burial service. The floral tributes were many and beautiful, showing the high esteem in which this beloved young man was held.

He is survived by his grief-stricken parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Rodgers of this community; two sisters. Mrs. O. H. Wagley of Bay City nd Miss Elva Rodgers, who is teaching school in Genoa. Texas; and five brother, Homer and Edgar Rodgers of this community, U. R. Rodgers of Galveston, W. E. Rodgers of Fayetteville and Everett Rodgers of Oklahoma City, besides a number of nieces and nephews, to whom we extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy. May God comfort them as He alone can.
GOLDEN LOCKS.

Weimar Mercury, January 29, 1932, page 3

Rodgers, Lillie (Mehrens)

Mrs. Urban Rodgers

The death of Mrs. Urban Rodgers occurred in Galveston Tuesday. The remains were brought here and funeral services held at the residence of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Mehrens, at Glidden this morning at eleven o'clock. Interment was made in Odd Fellows Rest.

Rev. W. A. Flachmeier officiated at the burial.

Miss Lillie Mehrens was born at Oak Grove August 30, 1900 and was married to Mr. Urban Rodgers in January 1924. They moved to Galveston about three years ago.

Mrs. Rodgers had been in a hospital in Galveston for some four weeks. She is survived by the husband and two little daughters, also by her parents, one sister, Miss Minnie Mehrens, and two brothers, Herbert of Cuero and Owen of Glidden.

The sympathy of the community goes out to the sorrowing ones in their great loss.

Colorado County Citizen, September 15th, 1932

Rodgers, Lula (Bowen)

Mrs. Lula Rodgers, 81, Interred In Live Oak Cemetery
By Golden Locks

As time goes by, our loved ones pass away, and gloom and darkness overshadow our lives. But the thought of heaven helps to bring sunshine again. When the soul is reunited with the body, and the dead, both great and small, stand before God, we shall see them again.

Mrs. Lula Rodgers was born in 1871. In 1888 she was married to W. A. Rodgers. To this union there were born 10 children. Two of them died in infancy, and another Lester Rodgers, was killed in an automobile crash near Beaumont in 1932.

Aunt Lula, as she was affectionately called by a number of her friends, had been ill for several years. For the past few months she had been confined to her bed, and at the last, pneumonia carried her off. At times her suffering was almost unbearable but the sweet old soul bore her suffering without one word of complaint and “fell asleep in the arms of Jesus,” calmly, peacefully, regretful of leaving those behind, but glad to be with loved ones who had gone on before. Aunt Lula was a lovely type of old womanhood, kind and courteous to all, the soul of hospitality, thoughtful of the comfort and pleasures of others, the best of friends and neighbors, and her death has left an aching void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, which can never be filled. It was known that she couldn’t be with them much longer, for her death was expected almost any minute, but it is hard to give up our loved ones, especially when they have been with us so long.

Aunt Lula made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Archie McGowan of Genoa (better known as Elva) for the past three years, and it was her home where she passed away Thursday at 12:15. Her body was tenderly prepared and brought to Weimar, and Saturday it was laid to rest in the Live Oak Cemetery beside her late husband, W. A. Rodgers, and son, Lester.

She leaves to mourn her passing seven children, W. A. and Homer of Oak Grove, Edgar of Columbus, Urban and Everett and Mrs. Pearl Wagley of Galveston, and Mrs. Archie McGowen[sic] of Genoa; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews and friends, who will miss her sadly.

Many relatives and friends from a distance were here to pay the last sad tribute to the memory of the one they loved so well. May God comfort the bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, March 28, 1952, pages 1 and 10

Rodgers, William Asbury

OAK GROVE
W. A. RODGERS SUCCUMBS
By Golden Locks

After an illness of more than five years, the past six months of which were spent in bed, William Asbury Rodgers, 82, died Saturday at his home here at 2: 15 p.m.

Mr. Rodgers, a native of Georgia, came to tis county when he ws quite young. Had he lived until Feb. 14, he and his wife would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. [Interment in Live Oak Cemetery]

Colorado County Citizen, February 6, 1947

Rodgers, William Earl

Ex Teacher W. E. Rodgers Dies at 77

A stroke suffered Sunday, Sept. 5, became fatal Thursday for W. E. Rodgers, 77, retired schoolteacher of the Oak Grove area.

Mr. Rodgers had suffered circulatory illness for some time. He had retired at the age of 55 after 37 years of teaching.

Services were held Saturday afternoon, Sept. 11, at Hubbard Funeral Home, led by Jerry Pearson, minister of the Church of Christ in Columbus, and Mr. Rodgers’ son Clifton, who is minister of the Lake Jackson Church of Christ.

Burial was in Masonic [Odd Fellows] Cemetery.

Pallbearers all grandsons, were David Rodgers, Ronnie Rodgers, John Rodgers, Luke Rodgers, Paul Rodgers, Herbert Muse Jr., and Bradford Lamkin.

Willie Earl Rodgers was born Jan.3, 1894, at Oak Grove, Colorado County, a son of W. A. and Lula Bowen Rodgers, and was only 18 when he began his teaching career at Bois d’Arc School, traveling horseback. After two years he became teacher at Frelsburg, where he stayed four years. Then he was at Willow Springs for 18 years, as superintendent. His final 13 years as a teacher were back at his home community’s school, Oak Grove, where he retired in 1949.

Mr. Rodgers married Miss Clara Hoyo at Frelsburg on April 12, 1914.

His wife survives, along with three daughters, Mrs. Billy Bob (Earline) Alexander of San Antonio, Mrs. Herbert (Una Mae) Muse of El Paso, and Mrs. Gladys Lamkin of Weimar; one son, G. E. (Doc) Rodgers of Weimar; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Elvie McGowen of South Houston; and three brothers, Urban and Everett R. Rodgers of Galveston and Homer Rodgers of Weimar.

The Weimar Mercury September 16, 1971
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli