Willard Walter Rodgers

Willard Walter `Willie` Rodgers was born December 9, 1927, at Ottawa, Kansas. He was the son of Walter H. and Vinnie (DeWald) Rodgers. A lifelong resident, Willie made his home in Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, until his death Thursday, February 5, 2004, at the age of seventy-six years. Willie graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1945. He was a lifelong heavy equipment operator, working for several companies, including Hercules Sunflower Ammunition Plant in DeSoto, Kansas. He was instrumental in the construction of missile bases in Missouri and Kansas and the LaCygne Power Plant construction. He operated all types of heavy equipment forty-two years, retiring in January of 1989. Willie served in the United States Marines, stationed in Virginia, in 1945 and 1946. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Ottawa; Local Union #101, Topeka; Warren Black Post #60, American Legion, Ottawa; Over-the-Road Gang, Ottawa; Veterans Motor Car Club of America, Kansas City, Kansas; and, Ottawa Antique Car Club. Willie enjoyed restoring classic cars and trucks, building race cars, working on his farm and rebuilding Cushman Scooters. He collected die cast cars, pocket watches and rare coins. He was a giving person, donating to several different charities. His love for animals was known by all his family and his pet English Bulldog `Princes`. Willie's greatest enjoyment however came from being with his family and friends, whether it be at a car show or a family function he was always happy to be in their company. On January 23, 1949, Willie was united in marriage with Dorothy Lang at Garnett, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by three sons, Don Rodgers and his wife, Pat, of Shelton, Washington, Charles 'Butch' Rodgers and his wife, Sandra, of McClouth, Kansas, and Keith Rodgers and his wife, Jeanie, of Eudora, Kansas; a daughter, Judy Van Fleet and her husband, Gary, of Woodland Hills, California; a sister Gwen Whitebread of Baldwin City, Kansas; eight grandchildren; and, five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2004. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Earl Zimmerman. IN STATE: Mr. Rodgers will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Saturday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 5 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to American Diabetes Association, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.