1918 – 2003

LEWISTON – Kenneth E. Rogers Sr., 85, of Auburn, died peacefully on Oct. 27, following very compassionate care by the nurses on M-1 at Central Maine Medical Center.

Mr. Rogers was born in Auburn, on Jan. 4, 1918, the son of Charles H. Rogers and Mela (Boucher) Rogers. He was educated locally and was a 1937 graduate of Edward Little High School, Auburn. In high school he was active in track, basketball and baseball.

He married the former Alta M. Hiscock-Perham on Sept. 4, 1971. He worked at R.I. Mitchell, Inc. for 46 years as one of their top salesmen and represented the company at a Delco National Council salesmen event in Indianapolis. There wasn’t an automobile part that he didn’t know.

He enjoyed bowling and was formerly a member of the Lewiston – Auburn Auto Dealers Bowling League, serving as president for two years. He also enjoyed golfing and formerly served as president of a Prospect Hill golf league. He also enjoyed working on his lawn and puttering around the house. He was also an avid Red Sox fan. During his son’s childhood he was involved in scouting.

Mr. Rogers attended the Auburn Church of the Nazarene. From June 1942 to December 1945, during World War II, he was a member of the U.S. Army 339th Combat Engineers. Stationed at Fort Devens, he then served in active duty in the South Pacific, where his service earned him a Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and a Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

One on his favorite pastimes was sharing military stories with friends and family. His pride and joy has been his four year old grandson, Mack Raymond Whittier, with whom he has shared many a bowl of tomato soup and sliced tomatoes. Mr. Rogers was a member of American Legion Post 153, Lewiston Lodge of Elks 371, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

He is survived by his wife, Alta; a son, Kenneth E. Rogers Jr.; a stepdaughter, Dottie Perham-Whittier, her husband, Ray and their son, Mack; a brother, Sidney Rogers; a sister, Phyllis Rogers; and several nieces and nephews; by his loving caregivers/staff at the Lamp Residential Care Facility, where he has resided since February of this year.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Charles and Gerald Rogers; and a sister, Geraldine Simpson.