Jeffrey Wayne Rogers February 23, 1967 - March 26, 2012
Jeff was born on February 23, 1967 at the Dyess AFB Texas Hospital in Abilene, Texas. His mother, Janet, worked at the Air Force base and his father, Wayne, was a C-130 navigator on a remote tour during the Viet Nam war. Jeff was five months old when his father returned home. The family moved to Norton AFB in San Bernardino, California where Jeff enjoyed the love and attention of both parents. Two years later his sister, Lisa, was born. Jeff enjoyed being a big brother and couldn’t wait until she was old enough to play.
Their next adventure was to Rhein Main Air Force Base in Germany. The family lived off base for the first couple of years where Jeff learned enough German to play with his friends. The children attended school on base and their school bus would stop in front of the house, honk, and wait for them to finish breakfast. When their activities on the base increased the family moved into base housing. Jeff enjoyed Cub Scouts, Karate and football and Lisa participated in the “girly” stuff. Jeff’s Cub Scout program included trips to Munich and Berlin and camping in the snow. He and Lisa also spent a week on a houseboat and pony farm in Wales as part of a student exchange program. The family traveled to many countries and have wonderful memories of their seven years.
The family returned to the states in 1979 and made Dover, Delaware their home for the next 25 years. Jeff was thrilled to discover strong football and Scouting programs and was really happy to find more than one television channel. Jeff and Lisa convinced their parents they needed a dog so Schatzee the “schnoodle” joined the family for the next fourteen years.
Jeff attended Caesar Rodney High School, where he was a member of the choir and played the drum in the concert and marching bands. He also participated in community theater. Jeff was very motivated to earn his Eagle Scout award since he couldn’t get his driver’s license until it was completed. After graduating from High school, he joined a competition drum corps and played in a rock band. He attended the University of Delaware for two years, but unfortunately enjoyed fraternity life a bit more than studying.
He graduated from the State of Delaware Corrections Academy and worked at various Delaware correctional facilities for the next sixteen years. His work ethic and dedication earned him the respect of his co-workers and management. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was a Union Steward. He married and was blessed with his two children – Tyler and Sara. When he and their mother divorced he was awarded sole custody.
Tyler and Sara were the most important people in his life and he always wanted what was best for them. He remarried twice trying to create the family he thought they deserved. He enjoyed attending their activities – Tyler’s football and soccer games and Sara’s dance and choir programs. He especially liked taking them to NASCAR races and RV camping. Mostly he liked staying home with his children, cheering for his Steelers, and playing his guitar.
Jeff suffered from the progressive disease of alcoholism. When his health began to fail he was medically retired from the job he loved. He wanted to get well and his parents encouraged him to move to Las Vegas for the support he would need from his family. He worked as a security officer at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino until his health further deteriorated. Jeff was determined to enter an in-house recovery program, but unfortunately his health failed before he was admitted.
Jeffrey Wayne Rogers passed away on March 26, 2012 at Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. He is survived by his children, Tyler and Sara; sister, Lisa Smith; and parents, Janet and Wayne Rogers. Jeff was a good and kind man who suffered from the incurable disease of alcoholism. He will be remembered as a father who adored his children and wanted his family to be proud of him.
MEMORIAL FUND DONATIONS (from $1 to $100) In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Jeff, his family is asking that friends and extended family consider making a donation to the Jeffrey Wayne Rogers Memorial Fund; all monies collected will be donated directly to Al-Anon Family Groups: where friends and family of problem drinkers find understanding and support.