Jerry F. Rogers
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Memorial services for Jerry F. Rogers 94, Lawrence will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Plymouth Congregational Church. This will be a celebration of life for both he and his wife, Elizabeth Jane Heywood who preceded him in death on December 17, 2020.
Jerry was born on August 21, 1926 in Topeka KS, the son of Dean Rogers and Hazel Klingaman-Rogers.
At 17 years of age, he went into the Navy to serve in the Pacific Theater of WWII. When the war ended, he returned to Topeka where he attended Washburn University, played football for the Ichabod’s and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He went on to Kansas University soon after and completed his Master’s degree in Education.
While at Washburn, Jerry met and began dating Elizabeth Jane Heywood. They were named homecoming King and Queen and made it permanent in 1952 by becoming husband and wife! They made their home in Lawrence with Jerry teaching and coaching at Lawrence High. Forever a proud Chesty Lion!
Jane was a homemaker and together they raised two children, Jennifer and Kyle. Jerry left LHS in 1967 to be the Director of Financial Aid at KU until his retirement in 1991. They both absolutely loved socializing with friends and were in many bridge clubs throughout their lives.
Jerry was an avid sports enthusiast. He had a 50 year stretch as a volunteer at the Kansas Relays and was on the “Chain Gang” for 49 years with KU Football. They had season tickets to KU basketball and attended every game for many years. They were both big KU fans but Jerry bled KU blue!
Through all of his endeavors it was always the connection to people that motivated him and he endeared himself to all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Ann Rogers and her wife, Lisa Aquilar, his son, Kyle Winton Rogers and (his most cherished) three grandchildren; William Rogers, Caelan Rogers, and Sophia Rogers.
The family would like to express our deep love, appreciation and thank you to the caregivers and staff at Meadowlark, Keep Living at Home, Interim Healthcare and Hospice and Bridge Haven Memory Care. Your love and care made mom and dad’s last year’s safe, happy and filled with love. You all are amazing people and you have our lifelong love and gratitude.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s name to Bridge Haven, Keep Living at Home or Interim Healthcare and Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I was a student at LHS and KU when Jerry (Mr Rogers!) was at each institution. Later we were both members at Plymouth Congrgational Church. His welcoming smile and generous spirit went with him everywhere. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Jennifer, Kyle & family , I was saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing. I worked for Jerry in the mid-to-late 1980’s in the Student Financial Aid office at KU. He was one of the most compassionate and understanding people I’ve ever known and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was humble and not driven by ego. I remember one time he appointed me to accompany him to a workgroup that was discussing the implementation of a new financial management system. I was probably the worst person he could have appointed to this. I had absolutely no clue what was going on in the meetings but I didn’t feel so bad when, as we were leaving one of the meetings, I shared this with him and he said he didn’t either! I am so glad that Clantha McCurdy & I got the chance to visit with Jerry & Jane in the fall of 2019. Jerry was still sharp and was remembering anecdotes and stories that I had long forgotten. He touched many people’s lives over the years and will forever remain in a special place in the hearts of those he touched.
Coach Rogers was easily one of our all time favorite teachers and coaches. He was so personable, fair, and talented. My husband and I had a math class at Lawrence High with him as the teacher and he was one of my husband’s football coaches for the 1956 legendary undefeated Lawrence High School football team. Over all these years, we stayed in touch with Coach Rogers. He was a very special person, a blessing in our lives! Norma and Jerry Hall
What a great guy, teacher, coach & friend for over 60 years. Just one of the really “Good Guys”. Our LHS Class of ’59 last 20 years or so had a standing invitation to Jerry Rogers & Max Rife to our Reunions every five years. RIP JERRY!
First time I met Coach he and Coach Rife was explaining that the group had just made the hamburger squad for the LHS varsity players.
Never forgot that and enjoyed seeing and visiting with Coach for all the years after.
Good man and may he rest in piece
Dave
Jen and Kyle
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Jane and Jerry. We shall always remember the good times we had over dinners whether in the house or out. Our fondest memory is of when they visited us in NC for a few days.
Joyce and Mike
I so appreciated Jerry as a teacher and a coach. He helped me become the best half-miler I could be. He and his wife loved the song Moon River. He and his wife were appreciated by many. Rest In Peace.
Jerry was my track coach and teacher from 1954, 55, & 56 at Lawrence high school. I had not much going for me, other than ambition and a willingness to work hard. His coaching, his counseling, and his encouragement always was a huge factor in my success in doing well enough to win a college scholarship. College for me was a limited opportunity financially without one. I have always felt thankful for his influence and help. I’m sure he gave this to every student he had, but for me, it was a huge factor in my development.-