Duane Rogers

Duane Thomas Rogers, 86, of Elgin Texas departed this life peacefully on Thursday, April 23 at home surrounded by family. He was born in Taylor, Arkansas on July 26, 1933 to the late Prattie Hillard Rogers and Ethel Estelle Rogers. The oldest of 5 children, he grew up hunting, fishing and helping on the family farm. After graduating High School in Springhill, Louisiana, he attended Monroe Business College in Monroe, Louisiana, majoring in Accounting. In April of 1953, Duane enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed at Pepperrell Air Force Base in Newfoundland Canada, he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Austin, an American student attending Memorial University of Newfoundland - and the boss’s daughter. They were married and experienced Air Force life together traveling far and wide as he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant during his 26- year service. Their almost 62-year marriage rewarded them with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Duane was a devoted husband and father who did everything with and for his family; from being a scoutmaster, serving as Sunday School superintendent, racing and working on Volkswagens, hunting, fishing, camping and bird watching, just to name a few.

Duane was part of the computerized initiative of the NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. He and his family settled in Austin, Texas where he retired from the military at Bergstrom Air Force Base after having served across the world. Duane continued his career as a civilian at the State of Texas Department of Human Services as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He was a man who had many hobbies, paid attention to detail, had a very funny sense of humor and sharp wit, while also being soft-spoken. During retirement he traveled with wife Pat to Hawaii, Newfoundland and Alaska many times.

Duane was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed. He touched many lives. He leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Patricia Rogers of Elgin, Texas; son Timothy Rogers and wife Valerie Rogers; daughter Janice (Rogers) Dale; daughter Lynn (Rogers) Silvestri and husband Robert Silvestri; his grandchildren Derek Rogers and wife Carolyn Kelleher; Caitlin Rogers; Jennifer Dale; Daniel Dale; Amanda Dale; brother Dorman “Buddy” Rogers (Bonnie), brother Pat Rogers (Marie), and sister Pamela Beasley (David) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Duane joins many in Heaven including his parents, his brother Bobby Rogers and his son-in law Bruce Dale.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to:
Capitol Area Council #564, Boy Scouts of America
12500 N. IH 35
Austin TX 78753

A Memorial Service will be planned at a later date, when family and friends can gather to celebrate a life well lived.