Claude Dale Rogers, son of Jesse and Berniece Williams Rogers, was born February 23, 1938, at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Thayer, Missouri; son, Trent and his wife, Michelle and grandchildren, Emma and Grayson of Walla Walla, Washington; his mother, Berniece of Thayer, Missouri. His father, Jesse Rogers, preceded him in death.
Being an only child, Dale and his parents became a part of Peggy’s family. He leaves to mourn his passing his in-laws, Kenneth and Margaret Davis; Alice and Tim Young; Liz and Greg Russell; John and Phyllis Davis; special niece and nephew, Kathleen and Kevin Young, and other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Dale served as an air traffic controller in the United States Navy. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a business degree and worked for Standard Oil. Deciding he wanted to come back to Missouri, he took a teaching job. He retired from teaching business and special education classes for more than thirty years. Dale then worked part time for the 34th District Juvenile Office and Carter Funeral Home.
Dale was a member of Mammoth Spring First United Methodist Church and served as a trustee. He was a Mason and member of the Clifton Lodge No. 463 in Thayer. He served several years as a member of the Governor’s Committee for the Handicapped, the Citizens Probation and Parole Advisory Board and as a Democratic Committeeman. He helped organize the Oregon County Sheltered Workshop and served as a committee member.
Dale became a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying. He especially liked spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, raising cattle and beekeeping. He was a devoted ASU football fan.
Through his life and profession Dale enriched the life of many. He will fondly be missed and remembered by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 15th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory, to the First United Methodist Church of Mammoth Spring or the Thayer School Alumni Scholarship Fund.