Obituaries

John Paul Rogers Sr.

Photo of John Paul Rogers Sr.
John Paul Rogers Sr. went on his final adventure on May 26, 2017 in Sitka, Alaska. Paul was born on June 17, 1943 in Carlisle, Ark. Paul was the youngest of 6 and grew up working hard on the family farm. His childhood would later give him the inspiration for many funny stories about life in the country. Paul was a graduate of Carlisle where he excelled at football and track and field. His love of football led him to play for Ouachita Baptist College and major in kinesiology. Paul held several long standing state track records. Paul then earned his masters at Henderson. He affected many young lives as a coach and mentor that continued even after he left the profession. Paul loved to travel and be outdoors fishing, boating or hunting. He loved to RV and go on cruises with Carol and deep sea fishing with his brother and nephews. He always loved to be outside doing something even if it was just puttering around on his tractor. Traveling with Paul was always an adventure because he was going to find someone he knew or someone new to talk with. He loved Alaska and Canada and made numerous trips including his last. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Espie and Mary Rogers, his brother, Delbert and his previous wife, Charlotte. He is survived by his wife, Carol, sons, John Paul Rogers Jr. (Mary Beth), Philip Thomas (Karen), Charles L. Rogers (Laura), five grandsons and two granddaughters and his siblings, Jean Carter, Phyllis Hillman, Dorothy Roberts and Don Rogers. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Paul's favorite charities St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project. Services will be held at Smith-Benton Funeral Home in Benton, Ark. Visitation will be Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. followed by the funeral Friday at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Randy Reed. Burial will be held at Blasingame Cemetery in El Paso, Ark. following the funeral. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Published June 1, 2017

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