Colonel Robert Conant Rogers, known as “Buck” Rogers, 92, passed away March 2, 2010 at his home in Hillsboro, Ohio. Colonel Rogers was born December 7, 1917 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Arthur Earl Rogers and Grace Conant Rogers. He attended the New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Southern California, graduating in 1939 with a degree in Business Administration. On December 20, 1941, he and Virginia Austin were married in Phoenix, Arizona.
He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp on December 13, 1941 at Luke Field, Arizona. After combat training, he was assigned to the European Theatre of Operations as a fighter pilot and squadron commander in the 367th Fighter Group. He flew 92 combat missions including the Normandy Invasion. He was a highly decorated fighter pilot. His many medals and awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Presidential Unit Citation. He returned to the United States in 1945 attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel as Deputy Group Commander of the 367th Fighter Group. His several Air Force assignments included; Air Force Attaché to Brazil and Base Commander of Selfridge Air Force Base, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He retired as a Full Colonel in June, 1964 from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.
“Buck” Rogers spent the next 26 years as owner and operator of the Flying “R” Ranch in Highland County. He served as President of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.
Throughout his careers, Col. Rogers sang as a soloist in concerts, churches, synagogues, and in professional opera productions.
The latter 20 years were spent enjoying friends and family while including a few rounds of golf and announcing many a wonderful little league championship game.
His son, Robert Arthur Rogers, preceded him in death in 1954. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Rogers; his sister, Margo Kurtz; his sons, Bill Rogers and Scott Rogers; his daughters, Anne ( Glenn ) Roush and Barbara ( David ) Harrison; and his grandchildren, Madeline, Ted and Sarah Rogers, Rebecca, Emily and Cynthia Roush and Amy, Wade and Kimy Harrison.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 4:00 P.M. at the Hillsboro First Presbyterian Church located at 201 East Main St., Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Memorial contributions should be given to the First Presbyterian Church.
The United States Air Force will accord Colonel Rogers full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on June 16, 2010 at 1:00 P.M.
The Turner & Son Funeral Home, Hillsboro, is serving the family. For more information and to sign our on-line register, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc
Buck was one of the finest men that I had ever known. Not only was he one of my grandfather's best friends, in ways he was like a 3rd grandfather to me. I'll never forget those late nights when it was just me and him out on the golf course, getting a few more holes in. Grandpa now has a golf partner, and I have some great memories. God Bless
Buck was a dear man and a great American Hero. Thank you Col. Rogers. We will all miss you and that 'glorious booming ' voice and sweet smile. Our loss (although temporary) is heaven's gain. God Bless you Ginny and family.
Ginny & family: I'll surely miss the "Old Buckster!" What a guy and what a great friend. It was such a joy to have him in Southern State Singers. I think he was with us from the very first rehearsal after I took the job, up until last year--some 9 seasons, at least, maybe part of the 10th too. The group really missed him when he was no longer able to sing with us. Heaven will be booming with his voice added. May God hold you in the palm of His hand as you grieve.
Colonel Buck, a man of great faith, love, and compassion. I remember loving to sing hymns when he was sitting behind me...oh, he could help me sing with a spirit of joy.
I also remember one time during a dark time of my soul when he shared his faith with me. Although it was only a brief conversation, it changed my thoughts and helped me renew my faith.
My sympathies and prayers for his family.
I owned and operated the B & H Cleaners where I met Col Rogers. I had the utmost respect and admiration for this great man. He truly was a Great American. To Mrs. Rogers, Anne and the rest of the family, you have my heartfelt condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Col. Rogers sang at my sister's (Jill) wedding -- he had the most wonderful voice
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. He was a great man, a husband/father/grandfather you can be proud of, a man of character and a joy to be around. May God bless you as you grieve.
We were so sad to hear of Buck's passing. I passed the message to Jane. What great times and comraderie Buck and Lou shared in the years Lou was married to Barbara. Ginny, your and Buck's friendship meant the world to Barbara. I think the three of them are up in heaven enjoying a cocktail right now! He'll receive a great send-off at Arlington. Our sincere condolences to all.
Dear family, Colonel Rogers will be greatly missed. I loved hearing him sing the National Anthem and Take Me Out to the Ballgame at many,many little league games at the tournament. He helped make our tournament famous and I heard many people over the years say how much they enjoyed listening to him. Our loss is heaven's gain. God Bless, you are all in my prayers
So sorry to learn of your father's passing. Know that my prayers are with you and your family at this time. God bless and comfort you. Doris Pulse
I sang with Col. Rogers in Messiah Choruses and SSCC Community Chorus and will miss his booming operatic voice. My condolences to the family
We are proud to have met such a great man as your beloved Buck. Our brief encounters at First Presbyterian were always cheerful and uplifting. We regret that time did not allow a closer relationship. Arlington is honored to have such a soldier and comrade in arms. A life well-lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you say good-bye.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I remember the stories that he and my Dad would tell on our trips to the farm. God Bless