Dorman Gene ‘Buddy’ Rogers
Dorman Gene (Buddy) Rogers, 88, of Ruston, passed away on June 20, 2023, in Shreveport, surrounded by his family.
Dorman was born March 29, 1935, in Taylor, Arkansas, to Prattie Hillard (P.H.) and Ethel Rogers. He married Bonnie Gunnels of Magnolia, Arkansas, and they raised three daughters – Vicki, Sherry, and Debra.
Following his graduation from Springhill High School, Dorman trained as an electrician and worked at International Paper Mill in Springhill until it closed in 1979. He was then employed by Stupp Pipe Corporation in Baker, Louisiana, and by Georgia Pacific in Zachary, Louisiana, until moving to Texarkana, Arkansas, to work at Nekoosa/Georgia Pacific in Ashdown until his retirement in 1997.
Following their move to Ruston, he enjoyed retirement by spoiling grandkids, fishing at local ponds, golfing with his buddies at Trail’s End in Arcadia, and ministering through service as a deacon and security team member at First Baptist Church in Ruston.
For the past four years he has faithfully cared for his wife of 69 years by visiting her in Leslie Lakes Nursing Home in Arcadia almost every day, bringing her coffee and donuts each morning.
Dorman organized and participated in nursing home church services for Alpine, the Arbor, and Leslie Lakes, to give the residents access to communion and ministry each month, on behalf of FBC Ruston.
Dorman is predeceased by his mother and father; daughter, Vicki Rogers Lofstrom of Farmerville; brothers, Duane Rogers of Elgin, Texas and Bobby Rogers of Texarkana; sister, Pamela Rogers Beasley of Texarkana; son- in- law, Glen Hughes of Shreveport; and son-in-law Clifton Merritt of Vidalia.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Rogers of Arcadia; daughters, Sherry Rogers Hill (Steve) of Shreveport and Debra Rogers Merritt of Bossier City. He is also survived by granddaughter, Katie Merritt Paulovich and husband Drew, along with their children Indiana, Atlas, and Wylder; granddaughter, Jessica Merritt Williams and husband Brad, along with their children Cole and Claire; and grandson, Skyler Lofstrom, all residents of Shreveport; brother, Pat Rogers (Marie) of Port Neches, Texas; and sister- in- law, Patricia Rogers of Elgin, Texas.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Trenton St. in Ruston.
A visitation will be held prior to the service at 2 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Ruston choir ministry or nursing home ministry, in memory of Dorman Rogers.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.
