1942 — 2024
Lee “Earl” Rogers, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away June 2, 2024 at his home in West Point, Utah. The oldest of eight children, he was born on August 28, 1942 to Lehi Snow and LaRue Boulton Rogers.
Dad lived in several cities during his childhood, including Delta, Loa, Logan, and Layton before graduating from Davis High School in 1960.
Dad didn’t have to search far to find the love of his life. Pamela White lived four doors down from his childhood home and on December 4, 1964, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship that included many adventures (often to Mom’s dismay). Together they raised six awesome children who brought six awesome spouses into the family.
After school, and a few short stints in Rexburg, Idaho and Clinton, Utah, Dad and Mom settled in West Point, Utah in 1976.
Dad was not a man of many words or verbal affections. Nevertheless, he made a particular point to express love and appreciation for Mom when we would meet as a family. Despite his quiet demeanor, he cared deeply and he showed love to his children and others through the giving of his time. Countless hours and miles were spent driving to rodeos, fixing edgy wedgies on the ski slope, and sharing his love for the red rocks and mountains of Utah.
Dad graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, then graduated from Colorado State University in 1970 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a large animal veterinarian and was fortunate to work with some of his best friends at Associated Veterinarians in Roy, Utah for nearly 20 years. He left private practice in 1990 to work for the Utah Department of Agriculture, retiring as the state veterinarian in 2009.
Dad was unwavering and resolute in his testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and dutifully served within the church throughout his life, including a mission to the Western States as a young man. He had an innate connection with his pioneer ancestors and the events of the Restoration. Leading by example and deed, he honorably built upon that legacy of faith, service, and discipleship. In 2012 to 2013, Dad and Mom served in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission. While there, he served as a teamster driving visitors through the historic city on horse-drawn wagons. Alongside Mom, they performed with groups in historic portrayals of the early Saints. They loved serving with existing friends and making many new friends along the way.
Dad was born to wander – ever westward he was bound to roam. Most of his roaming was done from the back of a mule or from the inside of a Jeep. Any four-legged or four-wheeled beast would do. He spent countless hours enjoying the bounties of this earth while packing mules, hunting, or riding the red rocks of Utah with his friends and family. He had a passion for seeing what was on the other side of the hill, and he would avoid returning the same way that he came, regardless of the cost or time (or the frustration of those that were with him). This passion was a hunger that could not be satisfied and an itch that could not be scratched. From these activities, he and his family are blessed with many memories and life-long friends that have had such a positive impact over the years. It’s been said that no man is a failure who has friends. If so, then Dad was the most successful man to roam the earth.
In recent years, Dad experienced many health issues. On Saturday, the day before he left this earth, the doctors issued him an oxygen tank to use at home. Although he had hobbled and tethered many animals in mountain meadows throughout the years, his soul was meant to roam and he wasn’t sure about being tethered himself. He told us that if he didn’t show up to church the next day, then we’d know why. Sunday morning he peacefully slipped through the veil and sure enough, he didn’t show up to church, but instead showed up in heaven. Dad, you endured to the end and we’re grateful for the life you lived and the example you have been to us all. Now you’re free to wander again. So enjoy the reunion with family and friends, then saddle up and ride for the Master on that side until we meet again.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Lehi and LaRue Rogers; his brother, Paul Rogers; and two granddaughters, Lauren Rogers and Cloee Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Pam; their children Carrie (Wayne) Jernigan, Jodie (Guy) Kempton, Jennifer (Russell) Gardner, Ryan (Emily) Rogers, Kimberly (Kurt) Miller, Brett (Alyson) Rogers; his siblings Anne (Steve) Allen, Kathy (Brent) Reynolds, Leon (Cris) Rogers, Allyn Rogers, Karen (Larry) Bass, Jan (Dixie) Rogers, Peggy Rogers; 19 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; his mules, Willie and Waylon; and his loyal dog Sam.
The family would like to thank those who provided him with exceptional care as his health declined, especially those at DaVita Dialysis and Dr. Christopher Davis at Ogden Clinic.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024 at the West Point 5th Ward Chapel, 3488 West 300 North. The family will meet with friends on Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services.
Interment, West Point Cemetery.
The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Earls’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com
Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com