Darrel R. Rogers (72) of Westwood (Mt. Pleasant) Iowa, formerly of Newton

Darrel R. Rogers, age 72, of Westwood (Mt. Pleasant), Iowa, and formerly of Newton, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at his residence.

Darrel was born March 12, 1951, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Roy Waymack and Bernice Ruth (Brooks) Rogers. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1969 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Illinois.  On October 20, 1979, in Harrisville, West Virginia, Darrel was united in marriage to Rosena Marie “Rosie” Dennison.

Darrel began his career with the Ferro Corporation in Parma (near Cleveland), OH. He transferred to the plant in Nashville but returned to the Cleveland area and settled in Brunswick. In August of 1996, Darrel accepted a position with the former Heatilator Corporation and moved his family to Mt. Pleasant. Following his career with Heatilator, Darrel worked for various other companies and retired from the Innovaire Metrogroup.

While growing up, Darrel was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also active in sports. That love of sports carried with him many years into adulthood, where he participated in softball, basketball, golf, and bowling. When not participating in sports himself, Darrel coached Rec League soccer, baseball, and basketball. He coached his own children in sports and was a coach for teams his children were not on. He loved to attend the sporting events of Mt. Pleasant Community High School and Iowa Wesleyan University. For many years, Darrel was the timekeeper for the Iowa Wesleyan Tiger Football Team and helped at the Wesleyan Track Meets.

Faith and civic duty were central to Darrel’s life. A cradle Methodist, Darrel was an active member in the United Methodist Church in every town in which he lived. At First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Darrel taught the Becomers Sunday School Class. He served as the church’s Lay Leader and Delegate to IAUMC Annual Conference. He served on the church’s Administrative Council, Staff/Parish Relations Committee and Change-a-Child’s Story group. He volunteered to serve food for the church’s food tent and Midwest Old Threshers. Darrel helped organize Walks to Emmaus (a spiritual renewal retreat). Darrel was a mentor for several confirmands of the church. When pastors took a Sunday off, Darrel was active in Pulpit Supply, not only for First UMC, but also several other churches in the area. Darrel was committed to helping youth in any way he could. He took time to be a story reader at the local elementary schools. Darrel served a term on the Westwood City Council and was recently re-elected to the position. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Fellowship Cup in Mt. Pleasant, where he also volunteered numerous hours.

Those thankful for sharing Darrel’s life include his wife of 44 years, Rosie of Westwood; 2 children – Dennis Rogers of Lenexa, KS and Bethany Rogers of Overland Park, KS, and a brother, David (Joyce) Rogers of Davie, Florida.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents.

A service for Darrel will be held at 3:00 PM - Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. The Reverend Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Friends may call from 1-3 PM on Saturday at the church. The service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church’s YouTube Channel.

Those considering an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church or the Fellowship Cup of Mt. Pleasant. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is caring for Darrel and his family.  The obituary is being shared locally for the family, courtesy of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. 

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