F. WALTER RODGERS
F. Walter Rodgers, 87, B (3/16/23), D (7/26/10), Overland Park, Kansas. Born in Muskegon, MI, son of James G. and Blanche Rodgers, brother to seven siblings. Walt served in WWII as a B-24 nose turret gunner with the 8th Air Force/489th Bomb Group, successfully completing 32 missions. After the war, Walt continued civil service at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York and traveled worldwide. He was transferred to the Overland Park, KS area and retired from the government in 1986.
Survived by his sister, Mary Janet Lehan and many nieces and nephews, Walt is preceded in death by his wife, Lynn (2004). His spirit lives on in his children, Nancy Rodgers Zibro, (m. to David J. Zibro) of Bates City, MO; and Susan Rodgers Lauterbach (m. to Mark W. Lauterbach) of Downers Grove, IL. Missing him dearly are his grandchildren – Nicholas W. Lauterbach (15) and Anna L. Lauterbach (12).
Walt resided at Park Meadows Senior Living in Overland Park, where he spent time playing blackjack and enjoying the company of his many friends.
Services will be held Friday, July 30 at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm. Services begin at 2:00 pm, with burial immediately following at same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National WWII Museum, www.nationalww2museum.org.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Johnson County Chapel, 913-451-1860)