Founding Brother Clyde C. "Bud" Rogers passes

Originally Posted on July 13, 2015 by Ernie

Bud Rogers #4 passed away in February. Bud was not only a Founding Brother but was our first Herald (Social Chairman). In recent years, I was fortunate enough to get to know Bud a bit and I can say without a doubt that he was a good man and a unique individual. Here is his obituary. May God rest your soul, Brother.

Clyde C. “Bud” Rogers, III

November 17, 1945 – February 18, 2015

The immensely loving, compassionate heart of Clyde “Bud” C. Rogers, III has completed its work. Bud’s immortal soul departed his depleted earthly body peacefully at the Village of Laurel Run on February 18 and has found rest with his Heavenly Father. Mr. Rogers, 69, was born on November 17, 1945 in Williamsport, PA. the son of the late Clyde and Betty Miller Rogers. Bud is survived by his devoted wife of forty-five years, Cynthia “Cindy” Harris Rogers. A life-long passion for sports was nurtured in his hometown, which is the birthplace of Little League Baseball. At an early age many hours were spent playing catch with his brother and organizing pick-up games on makeshift diamonds. Games could only end if Bud’s team was ahead or dinner was waiting. As Bud got older he played on and then managed teams in the Williamsport Little League even winning the City Championship one season. After graduating from Bloomsburg State College with a Bachelor of Education degree he established his career in education by teaching at Poolesville Elementary School in Montgomery County, Maryland. He had much success with an all boys’ class in which he employed sports as an incentive to improve academic achievement. This unique educational curriculum was reported in the sports section of the Washington Post and led to an invitation to appear on a morning television program in Chicago. A transfer to Frederick County, Maryland Public Schools found him teaching at South Frederick Elementary where he transitioned from the classroom to the media center. Soon middle school basketball and managing the Rotary team in the Frederick Babe Ruth Baseball league were part of his life. Here as always his players were well-schooled in the fundamentals and were also well disciplined. Each practice was an intense workout focused on basic skills, thus building cohesive teams. Coach Rogers’ duties expanded to the high school level when he became an assistant coach for the Linganore High School boys’ basketball team. Next he accepted the varsity position at Frederick High School where hard work led the boys’ team to Cole Field House in 1981 for the Maryland State Class B Tournament. The Frederick Cadets nearly forged on to the final game but their drive ended with a loss in the semi-finals. The following year, 1982, the Cadets powered through their competition and came home in a rockin’ school bus to celebrate their Maryland State Class B Championship. That feat has not been repeated by Frederick High. Coach Rogers’ last ventures into coaching were with the middle school and varsity girls’ basketball programs at Walkersville, Maryland. Lessons learned in Mr. Rogers’ classrooms and skills mastered on baseball diamonds and basketball courts with Coach Rogers are reflected in the lives of many who are now well into their adulthood. During Bud’s years in the Frederick area he sold real estate for Long and Foster, wrote high school sports articles for the Frederick News Post, announced Walkersville football games (originally from the bed of a truck) and was the founding president of the Walkersville Sertoma Club. When Mr. Rogers retired from education and coaching he moved north to a quiet, woodsy spot in Carroll Valley, PA where he devoted time to his family and to studying the Bible. He was a member of the Gettysburg congregation of the church of Christ. In addition to his wife, Bud is survived by a daughter, Kerensa Vandegriff and her husband Todd of Fayetteville, PA, two granddaughters; Brynn Vandegriff and Addison Vandegriff, a brother, Darrel Rogers of Montoursville, PA, two sisters; Janet Wolf of Williamsport, PA and Margie Withers of Montoursville, PA as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 3:00, Monday, February 23, 2015 at the Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle St., Gettysburg with Preacher Stephen Rouse officiating. Burial will be 12:00 Noon Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Crown Crest Memorial Park, Clearfield, PA. Family will receive friends from 3-5 PM Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the funeral home, as well as from 2:00 until the time of the service Monday. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com. Here’s where you can be creative! If you had the opportunity to know Bud please honor him by finding your own way to celebrate his life. You could participate in random acts of kindness, contribute your time, energy or resources to your favorite organization, study the scriptures and share the Good News with others or summon up the courage to cheer for the Yankees.