Obituary of Donald Leslie Rogers

Donald L. Rogers, beloved husband, Father and Papa.

Don passed away April 9, 2020, at Pioneer Place Memory Haven in Tacoma WA.  He was born on November 8, 1928, in Aberdeen, WA, to George and Thelma (Draper) Rogers.  He graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen in 1947 and received both a BS and MS in Education from Western Washington University. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Patty Rogers. They lived together in Belfair and Allyn their entire married life.

Don was an educator and administrator in the Bremerton School District having spent the majority of his career there, retiring in l990. He was passionate about making a difference in the life of his students.

He was a Purple Heart recipient of the Korean War, a member of the Washington Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa fraternity of education; Epsilon Phi Tau, was active in the school safety patrol association; received the Golden Acorn award for excellence in education, was a member of Bremerton Yacht Club from 1963-1995, and was an active member of North Bay Lutheran Community Church.

Don and Patty loved to travel and saw many parts of the world with friends over his life time, they also spent 25 winters at their residence in Palm Springs, CA.

He is survived by six children; Kevin Rogers (Amy Asbury), Brian Rogers (Cathy), Janene Coltom (Dave), David Collins, Michael Collins and Susan Rogers.  He is also survived by nine cherished grandchildren: Anna and Emily Rogers (Kevin), Grant and Erin Rogers (Brian), Morgan and Riley Evans (Janene), and Tony Mannon, Erik Mannon and William Rogers (Susan.)

A celebration of his life and internment at Tahoma National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association either online at act.alz.org/donate or to the Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or the charity of your choice.