Carl K. Rodgers, fourth son of Robert L. & Kathryn Adeline (Schafer) Rodgers, was born January 11, 1933, in Newton, KS. He passed away on June 8, 2017, in the Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, KS at the age of 84.
Carl grew up in a family of five boys. He graduated from high school at Windom, KS, with the class of 1950. After graduation, Carl worked with his brother Murray for a year before joining the US Air Force in 1951. After basic training, he was sent to England where he served his country for the next three years.
Soon after his arrival in England, Carl attended a tent meeting in the village of Lakenheath, close to the base he was stationed, and his life was changed forever. He asked the Lord into his life and joined a group of young servicemen who held rallies for the young people in the surrounding villages. They were called the Soldiers of the Cross. During this time, he met a young girl named Shirley Ann Allsop. She became the love of his life and they were married on August 14, 1954. God blessed them with almost 63 years together. After his discharge from the Air Force, Carl worked with an insurance company, but felt the need to further his education. He, his wife and small son, Chris, traveled to Indiana where he attended Grace College and seminary in Winona Lake. Two more sons were born to them, John and Jim. On returning to Kansas, Carl worked in a bank before establishing his own insurance company. He also attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving his B.A. Also during this time, Carl was ordained into the ministry.
The most wonderful blessing they received in 1971 was their beautiful daughter, Kimberly Ann.
Carl re-established the Boy Scout troop in Agra. He worked with the Coronado Council, serving on many committees. He felt honored when he received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
He loved his work, visiting with people, listening to them about their hopes and dreams. He received many recognitions over the years, the most recent in 2014, when he was inducted into the U.S. Custom Harvesters Hall of Fame. Carl served in area Churches, filling the pulpits when needed. A few of those years were spent in the Agra Christian Church. He performed weddings, always a joyful occasion to him and brought his great compassion to those in sorrow at funeral services. He loved politics and was very active on the local and state scene, serving as chairman for the election of some seeking to serve in the government. He could often be found on the golf course and enjoyed telling golf jokes to anyone who would listen. Fishing was another of Carl’s hobbies. He enjoyed the solitude of being by himself at Kirwin Lake. Reading was a constant thing with Carl, always extending his knowledge, while listening to his favorite classical music. But above all else, was his love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one of them and their accomplishments. Carl was a very positive person. He loved his Lord and even as his memory became less and he walked into the twilight time, he never lost his dignity.
Left to mourn his passing are: his wife, Shirley Ann; sons, Christopher Paul and wife Jackie, John Robert and wife Lori, and James ‘Jim’ William; his daughter, Kimberly Ann Beach and husband Tracy; eight grandchildren, Diedra Penny, Carisa Dodson and husband Blair, Evan, Ian and Spencer Rodgers, Brendon Beach, Taylor Hardin and husband Tommy, and Alexi Beach; five great-grandchildren, Parker and Blakesley Dodson, Seven and Sterling Penny, and Brayden Hardin; his brother, Leonard and wife Pauline; and his sister-in-law, Nita Rodgers. He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Murray, Arel and Alden; and his grandson-in-law, Joel Penny.
The Lord said to him, "well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord." Services will be held June 17, 2017. Arrangements by Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. The Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 16 June 2017.