Obituary of Walter Rodgers, Marion County, KSGenWeb Digital Library

MARION COUNTY RECORD, 23 February 2000

Obituary of WALTER RODGERS

Walter Rodgers, 94, died Feb. 17, 2000, at Marion Manor.
Rodgers was born June 21, 1905, at Zimmerdale, the son of John and Elnora (Furguson) Rodgers. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served until 1945. He was wounded in the Philippines and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was always proud of his military service to his country.

Following his military service, he returned home to Newton where he worked for the City of Newton as street supervisor for many years.

On Dec. 3, 1973, he married Virgie (Maltbie) Skinner at Newton. She had been widowed for many years and she and Walter enjoyed life together.

Walter was a member of the Florence Christian Church and the Florence American Legion. He had been a Florence resident since 1973.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, five sisters, and his first wife, Louise.

Survivors include wife, Virgie of the home; three sons, Dean Skinner of Joplin, Mo., Max Skinner of Florence, and John Skinner of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two daughters, Mary Lou Schaffer of Florence and Margene Dornbush of Marion; sister, Bertha Zook of Hesston; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Florence Christian Church with the Rev. Larry Timm officiating.

Vocalist Linda Pyle sang "How Great Thou Art" and vocalist Kim Kellum sang "Soldier Going Home." Dolly Soyez was organist.

Casket bearers were Gary Skinner, Harold Dornbush, Tom Pyle, Tom Schaffer, Rich Fine, and Rocky Edson.

Interment was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence, with military honors by American Legion, John McKay Post #308, Florence.

A memorial fund has been established with the Florence Ambulance Service.

Transcribed and Contributed by Janice Reading