Michael Rogers

Michael Douglas “Mike” Rogers, age 70, passed away on October 19, 2017 at his home in College Station, Texas after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.  Mike was the beloved husband of Judy Derenda “Dee” (Fontenot) Rogers, who preceded him in death on June 24, 2013.

Mike was born in Vernon, Texas on October 26, 1946; he was the youngest son of Maurice and Lula Rogers.  Upon graduation from Vernon High School in 1965, Mike enlisted with the United States Air Force, where he served a tour in Vietnam.

After his honorable discharge from the military, Mike moved to Beaumont, Texas where he attended Lamar University’s Police Academy in preparation to follow in his father’s footsteps by seeking a position with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Mike retired as a Captain with the TABC in June 2002 after 31 years of service in seven different cities throughout Texas.

Mike married Dee on January 19, 1974 in Port Neches, Texas. He legally adopted Dee’s 3-year-old daughter, Kelli, as his own, and then two years later they gave birth to Jennifer. Mike’s number one focus from 1974 until the day he passed away was taking care of his girls. He was a provider, a protector, and the greatest example of what a loving husband and father should be.

Mike is survived by his two daughters, Kelli Norgaard of College Station, Texas and Jennifer Ryan of Crested Butte, Colorado and his son-in-law, Steve Ryan. He was the proud “Pa” of five grandchildren- Jessica Wells, her husband Jeff Wells, Michael Ryan, Campbell Ryan, and Jacob Bradford. In 2012 he became a great-grandpa to Corrie Ann Wells. He is also survived by one brother, Gilbert, of Palm Bay, Florida.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 2:00PM at Hillier Funeral Home in College Station, Texas. This will be a time for his family, friends, and numerous former colleagues to come together and celebrate the moments that they shared with Mike. Memorials in Mike’s honor can be made to either the Allen Community Outreach (ACO) in Allen, Texas or your local Hospice Organization.