Billie Gene Rogers

Billie Gene Rogers, son of the late William Jasper “WJ” and Gladys (Ussery) Rogers, was born Feb. 11, 1940, in El Dorado, Kan., and passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital on July 1, 2024, with his family by his side. He was 84 years, 4 months and 20 days of age. Bill graduated from Mountain Grove High School with the Class of 1958. Throughout his career, he worked at Tri-County Gas and Centel Phone Company before starting his own business, Bill’s Phone Service, in 1982. Bill married Pat Cropper on Dec. 10, 1993, in Hartville. They enjoyed spending time together, especially when riding the golf cart, “Fred,” and eating ice cream. He was saved at a young age and was later baptized at the age of 52. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Opal, Maxine, Garnett and Helen; and a son-in-law, Tracy Rich.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, of their home; one son, Joe Rogers (Aleth), of Norwood; two daughters, Connie Moore (Terry), of Hartville, and Debbie Rich, of Mountain Grove; one step-son, Darin Saylor (Becky), of Lebanon; one step-daughter, Dede Moore (Bruce), of Niangua; six grandchildren, Stephanie, Nathan, Melanie, MiKayla, William and Chris; four step-grandchildren, Justin, Austyn, Rachel and Jacob; 12 great-grandchildren, Harrison, Hudson, Jackson, Kylee, Gunner, BrookLynn, Brody, Rylee, Ryker, LakeLee, Jagge, and Saige; six step-great-grandchildren, Levi, Kady, Bella, Laney, Emmy and Grayson; his dog, Lady, whom he loved very much; and many other relatives and friends who will miss him. Services for Mr. Rogers were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove with the Rev. Bruce Moore officiating. Special songs were “Amazing Grace” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Justin Moore, Logan McAnarney, William Rogers, Levi Moore, Sam Dusenberry and Jacob Saylor served as pallbearers. Burial was in the Stubbs Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.