Kenneth K. Rogers

Kenneth Keith Rogers, was born April 25th, 1933, in West Union, Ohio, to Marion and Ethie Rogers. Ken died November 22, 2010. He grew up in West Union, Ohio on a depression era farm with six brothers and four sisters where he attended grade school and high school. Always a hard worker, Ken earned a varsity letter in Basketball while maintaining his work schedule on the farm. Having a brother that was a WWII Pilot, Ken naturally wanted to serve our country at an early age. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17, pretending to be 18, and was the second youngest to enlist in 1950. Ken served on the Korean peninsula and was wounded near the Chosin Reservoir where he lost a leg from the result of battle. As a decorated Marine, he recovered at the Oakland Naval Hospital where he met his future wife Adrienne who was a beautiful candy striper at the VA hospital giving out cigarettes and candy. After recovering from wounds and getting married, Ken and his new wife settled in Hayward, CA to start a career and a family. He became a highly effective Construction Superintendant and private pilot during the 1950’s while raising four children. After achieving his goal in construction, Ken moved his family to Enterprise, Oregon in 1968 to fulfill another dream of owning a farm and ranch while returning to the Roger’s family roots. He and his family were successful at building the farm and raising horses, so in 1979, they decided to continue building their horse business and moved the ranch to Deer Park, WA near Spokane. Ken was again successful at the Thoroughbred breeding business where his family bred several regional stakes winners and were active supporters of the regional racing community. After 23 years as a successful rancher and thoroughbred breeder, Ken and his wife Adrienne retired to Sierra Vista, AZ where they enjoyed 13 years in the sunny paradise south of Tucson. In 2004, he moved back to Spokane with Adrienne for medical reasons and to be near family. After a full and successful life, he entered a VA hospital for the last time and passed away with dignity in the company of other veterans. Ken will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Adrienne and his parents Marion and Ethie Rogers. He is survived by his daughter Madalynne Homme, daughter Stephanie Golly (Ray), son Linc Rogers, son Clay Rogers (Trina), eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Ken and his beloved wife Adrienne of 53 years will be inurned at the State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake with Honors. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held in the Spring of 2011, so that all who loved and knew him can attend.