Obituary: Ed Rogers

Edward “Ed” Rogers of Georgetown, Texas Baptist pastor and denominational leader, died Oct. 23. He was 88. He was born Jan. 21, 1934, to Earl and Chrystelle Rogers. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard Payne University in 1956. He and his wife of 67 years, Sylvia, married while he was a Howard Payne student. He went on to earn Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Baylor University granted him the status of Alumnus Honori Causa, and Howard Payne University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. His first full-time pastorate was in Manitou Springs, Colo. Rogers was pastor of First Baptist Church in Dumas 34 years. During his time in Dumas, he also preached on four continents. He served in a variety of leadership positions within the Baptist General Convention of Texas and preached in more than 60 churches around Texas. He served first as chairman and later as director of the BGCT Human Welfare Coordinating Board. William M. Pinson Jr., BGCT executive director emeritus, praised Rogers as “the personification of the servant leader” who “did not seek positions but was willing to serve when asked.” Rogers “loved people, and people loved him,” Pinson said. “Perhaps that was his greatest gift—to always be searching for ways to help people. … He was my friend and coworker and God’s gift to me.” Rogers is survived by his wife Sylvia; daughter Janna Hill and husband Mike; daughter Susan Morrison and husband Neil; son Richard Rogers and wife Sarah; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and four siblings. A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Oct. 28 at First Baptist Church in Georgetown, preceded by a period of visitation with his family beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Children at Heart Ministries.