Donald Vernon Rogers, known affectionately as Don to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2024, in Mead, Oklahoma. He was born on July 3, 1943, in Merced, California, to Vernon and Olga (Gove) Rogers.

Don's life was marked by his dedication to family, his country, and his many interests. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Wright, on March 15, 1969, in California. Don honorably served his country in the US Army. Following his military service, he built a career as a skilled machinist, a trade that he excelled in.

He was a member of the Red River Unitarian Universalist Church, where he found fulfillment and a community of like-minded individuals. His involvement with the Bryan County Antique Tractor Club allowed him to share his love for vintage machinery with fellow enthusiasts. His other interests were diverse and included vintage cars, cycling, church activities, audiovisual technology, and Buddhism. Don was a talented musician and enjoyed the soulful music of an organ. He enjoyed traveling, especially to the Oregon coast, where the beauty and salty sea air revived him. He had a love for airplanes and obtained his private pilot license in the 1980s. He also enjoyed connecting with friends and family through Facebook. Square-dancing with his wife Carolyn was a favorite pastime of Don’s. He and Carolyn spent much of their marriage, over five decades, traveling the United States to attend square-dancing festivals and competitions.

Don is lovingly remembered by his son, Wesley Rogers and wife Theresa of Albany, Oregon; his daughter, Darlene McKinnell of Mead, Oklahoma; his cherished grandchildren, Ray Rogers of Corvallis, Oregon, Melissa McKinnell of Austin, Texas, and Chandler Webster of Mesa, Arizona; and his adored great-grandchildren, Cameron Cooperman of Austin, Texas, and Dallas Webster of Mesa, Arizona. He also leaves behind his brothers, Bill Rogers and wife Brigitte of Vancouver, Washington, John Rogers and wife Carolyn of Parks, Arizona, Gene Wachtel and wife Carolyn of Moses Lake, Washington, and sister-in-law, Wilma Wright of Durant, Oklahoma, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Wright Rogers, and his parents, Vernon and Olga (Gove) Rogers.

Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation and remembrance from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Red River Unitarian Universalist Church in Denison, Texas. Reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars at vfw.org. Please also consider following his example of love and spreading kindness and goodness: welcome a stranger, feed the hungry, care for the lonely, and be a light in the dark.

Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 North 5th Street, Durant, Oklahoma 74701. www.holmescoffeymurray.com