John William “Pap” Rogers, 85, a member of a prominent pioneer family in Polk County, died on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the Etowah Health Care Center. John lived a very full life and will be missed by many who have known and loved him.
John was born in 1933 and grew up in Benton. When he was not in school, John learned the basics of auto mechanics and logging/sawmill operations from his father, grandfather, uncles and older brothers. Despite a childhood leg injury from a logging accident, John was accepted into the U.S. Army in 1957. He served until 1962 when he was honorably discharged as private first class. Stationed for a time in Paris, France, he was the driver for a U.S. General, Medical Division. After his military service, John lived nearly all of his life in the Benton community, faithfully taking care of his mother in her elder years.
He was a member of Zion Baptist Church, a former Benton City commissioner, former fire chief with the Polk County Civil Defense, a long-time bus mechanic with the Polk County school system, and served on the VFW Political Action Committee. Widely known as a skilled mechanic, he also enjoyed building and racing go karts. His numerous trophies boast of championships and track records.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Cass and Irene Bates Rogers and his siblings, Kenneth Rogers, Lillian Vanover, Mildred Tatum and Cooper Rogers.
He is survived by his brother, Charles (Margaret) Rogers, of Cleveland and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives are invited to gather and celebrate John’s life from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 at Higgins Funeral Home, with the service immediately following in the funeral home chapel.
Interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Rescue Squad.
To send an online message of comfort and view the Rogers family guestbook, visit www.HigginsFuneral.com.
Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, 423-338-2834.