Merle E. Rogers' Obituary
Bud was born in Tacoma, November 15, 1922 at St. Joseph's Hospital and died there December 5, 2010 surrounded by his family. He resided in Tacoma his entire life and lived on McKinley Hill in his early years. He attended Rogers Elementary, Gault Jr. High and Lincoln High School, graduating in 1941. Bud worked in the shipyards before entering into the U.S. Navy's 98th Construction Battalion (Seabees) and his tour of duty from 1943 - 1946 was in the South Pacific, serving in World War II. After returning home, he worked with his dad, Harry, at "Rogers and Son Portable Welding" shop on 45th and South Tacoma Way. Here he continued to master his welding trade and took the shop over as "Rogers Welding" after his dad retired. Bud was well known far and wide for his work. If he couldn't fix it, no one could, and if he couldn't find a part - he'd make it! He married Neva Nielsen on January 10, 1953 and they had 57 great years together. He was a member of many organizations: The Tacoma Sportsman's Club, Tacoma Gun Club, NRA, TOA, Tacoma Elks #174, Afifi Shrine Director's Staff, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite and the South Tacoma Kiwanis. If Bud wasn't welding, he enjoyed numerous outdoor activities with his family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, razor clam digging, skeet shooting, and a good game of cards. His dogs were also a big part of his life. In the later years as his eyesight worsened, he still found ways to do the things he loved, with no complaints.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife "Nev", son Pete (Judi) Atkins, two daughters, Debbie (Gene) Nakano and Connie (Jack) Barlow, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, family and friends.
There will be a viewing at Mountain View Funeral Home on Friday, 12/10/2010, from 2-9pm. On Saturday, 12/11/2010, at 2pm we will have a "Celebration of Bud's Life" at the Afifi Shrine Center (Mosque), 815 S. Vassault St. Private family burial at Old Tacoma Cemetery.
The family wants to especially thank St. Joseph's Hospital Emergency Room and Progressive Care Units for their compassion and care. Memorial donations can be made to Community Services-Blind and Partially Sighted, 9709 3rd Ave. N.E. #100, Seattle, WA 98115.
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