Walter Rogers

   Walter Kirk Rogers, 84, formerly of Williamsburg, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday morning, January 12, at his home in Goshen, following a courageous battle with cancer. The family is deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support during this time and takes comfort in knowing that Walt is now pain free and at peace with God in Heaven.

   Walt was born on March 2, 1941, in Lizemores, West Virginia, the son of Clifton W. and Winnie Wilma (Cook) Rogers. He was a 1959 graduate of Nicholas County High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia. Walt was a decorated scholar, was voted best personality his senior year of high school, and played basketball through college. On November 28, 1965, he married the former Karen Olivia Tharp. Together, they were blessed with six daughters and shared more than 40 years of marriage before her passing on June 5, 2006. 

   Walt enjoyed a long and accomplished career as a chemist. He began his professional life at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, later working for Silmar and Interplastic Corporation. The latter part of his career was spent in sales, providing plastics, resins, and construction compounds to manufacturers. 

   A devout Christian and a proud father, Walt was deeply devoted to his family. He coached his daughters’ softball teams for many seasons. He was a Deacon and song leader at church and took great pride in baptizing his grandchildren. He had a profound passion for learning and research, always studying topics such as faith in God, healing and natural health, nature and gardening, and politics. 

   Walt will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Rebekah Hunt (Brian Smith), Deborah Brady, Amanda Jamero (Greg Jamero), and Stephanie Fletcher; his grandchildren, Zane Green, Jessica Rakowicz, Cara Lagios (Brendan Lagios), John Rakowicz, Caitlin Rakowicz, Joline Rakowicz (Deeric Hamilton), Derek Hunt (Sara King), Morgan Hunt, Wesley Hunt, Justine Cook, Declan Jamero, Keagan Jamero, Lanah Jamero, Leah Jamero, Ciara Burns, Brody Fletcher, and Ireland Fletcher; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Gloria Summers and Brenda Massey; brother, Jack Rogers; and several nieces and nephews. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karen Rogers; his daughters, Carolyn Rakowicz and Janet Rogers; and his brothers, Douglas Rogers, Jimmy Rogers, and Joe Rogers. 

   Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Thursday, January 15, at Smith-McQuiston & Webster Funeral Home, 321 South US 27, Fountain City, IN 47341. Funeral services will follow immediately at the funeral home, with interment at Goshen Cemetery, 3650 IN-227, Richmond, IN 47374. A Celebration of Life reception will follow the burial at the Historic Meeting House at New Garden, located at 1334 New Garden Road, Fountain City, IN 47341.