Obituary of John Rogers

Rogers, John William Mr. John W. Rogers "Coach" died Monday morning, June 29, 2009 at his home in Ocala, FL. He was 81 years old. He had just returned from a visit to his daughter's house in Connecticut where he spent his last few days with his two children, Suzanne Rogers Weiss, John David Rogers, and his beloved wife of 32 years, Barbara Rogers. John was born in Stanaford, W. VA on April 27, 1928. He graduated from Stoco High School, attended Beckley Jr. College and then graduated from W. VA Tech. After college he taught at Shady Spring High School and started coaching. He moved his family to Ocala, FL in 1959 where he continued being involved in education and sports; baseball, basketball, and football. After high school John was approached by the Chicago Cubs baseball organization, and after a brief period of spring training he returned home after an injury to start coaching and teaching. He retired in 1991 after contributing 40 years of his life to teaching young people and taught in the Marion County school system for 31 years. Coach Rogers was known to go the "extra mile" as a coach and teacher. As a leader he made indelible contributions to the lives of many young people. John is survived by his wife Barbara Rogers, Ocala, FL; daughter, Suzanne Rogers Weiss, Greenwich, CT; son, John David Rogers, Ocala, FL; Step-daughters, Debbie Grant and Cindy Parker of Ocala, FL; and Geniece Collins of Summerfield, FL; ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. John attended Oakcrest Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, usher, Sunday School teacher, and greeter. He truly loved "all" of his church family.