Arvel Hugh Rodgers' Obituary
RODGERS, ARVEL HUGH was born on the 13th day of August, 1925, in Tupelo, Oklahoma. He passed away on May 2, 2012 at the age of 86. He is survived by Wanda, his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years; his beloved children, Jerry and Christie, one granddaughter Cheryl, and 3 great grandchildren Micah Lynn, Charlie, and Katie. Arvel enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, and shipped out with his unit, the 1st Armored Division, 6th Infantry, to the Anzio beachhead. He served under Gen. Mark Clark and Gen. Patton. The 6th Infantry led the Allied push north with Arvel on the front line manning their Thompson submachine gun. In 1950 he was called back to active duty and spent two more years on the front line in the Korean War, with the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. As an officer he commanded an infantry company of 500 soldiers. By the time Lt. Colonel Rodgers retired from the military he had been awarded two Purple Hearts, the Combat infantry Badge, and a Bronze Star. In 1946, Arvel began his first “official” job with Steakley Chevrolet as a floor sweeper, but Steakley had been a part of his life since childhood. His father, who was a mechanic at Steakley in Durant, OK, drove him to his first day of school in a Steakley wrecker. 57 years later, Arvel retired as General Manager of the Dallas store. Arvel served his country, his customers, and his church. For almost 50 years, Arvel was a committed lay leader at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dallas. During those years he served as Deacon, Elder, and member of the church board. A memorial service will be held at Central Christian Church, 4711 Westside Drive, Dallas, TX 75209 on Friday, May 4, at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Central Christian Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Arvel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arvel?
Share a story where Arvel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arvel you’ll never forget.
How did Arvel make you smile?