Merrill Rogers, Namesake of Rogers Middle School, Dies at 82

We are missing a pillar of the Affton School District community. Merrill J. Rogers, namesake of Rogers Middle School, passed away last week at the age of 82.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 26, at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa, at Watson. Funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27, at St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Affton Education Foundation to support funding special projects to benefit teachers and students. An online guest book may be signed here.

From his obituary: Merrill James “Butch” Rogers, 82, of Affton, Missouri passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Butch was born on April 4, 1930, in south St. Louis, Missouri. He married his beloved wife, Aggie Rogers, on November 29, 1952, and they were married for 49 years. Aggie preceded him in death on November 21, 2001.

Mr. Rogers devoted his career to education and serving students. He spent 33 years working for the Affton School District as a teacher, coach, junior high school assistant principal, junior high school principal, and interim superintendent for the Affton School District. One of the highlights of his career was the time spent as an administrator at Mackenzie Junior High School where he served for 20 years. In 1987, this school was renamed and is now the “Merrill J. Rogers Middle School” which proudly recognizes his years of dedication and commitment to the students, staff, family, and community of the Affton School District.

Before serving in education, Butch served in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated with degrees from Southwest Missouri State and Northeast Missouri State Universities.

Butch was a man of strong faith who believed in respecting and accepting others. He led his life by example and appreciated the simple things in life. Butch shared many times that he was a very happy and content man. People who knew him appreciated his tough attitude and kind, caring heart. Throughout his life, he enjoyed competition and became a big fan of tennis games at Francis Park with both friends and Aggie. He also enjoyed his many hours spent coaching athletes at Affton High School in the sports of football, basketball, and baseball.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Rogers; his sister, Virginia Gould; brother, Ray Rogers; sisters-in-law, Patsy Nehring, Audrey Haskenhoff, and Betty Ann Gilmore. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stu and Teera Rogers; and his grandson, Grey Rogers. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Genia Rogers; and many nieces and nephews. Butch was a dear father, uncle and friend to many. We miss you already, Butch!