November 25, 1935 – September 15, 2020
David L. “Dave” Rodgers, 84, formerly of Sheridan, entered the gates of heaven on September 15, 2020. Our hearts find comfort in knowing he is reunited with his bride, Barbara A. “Barb” Rodgers, once more.
Born November 25, 1935 in Lewisburg, Ohio, Dave was the son of the late Marion and Hilda Rodgers. He grew up on a dairy farm and learned the value of hard work at an early age. He was a curious kid, always tinkering, creating and reading. When Dave turned 16, he got his driver’s license and drove himself to the airport where he performed his first “solo” flight. He loved cars, motorcycles, airplanes, boats and anything mechanical. He was a 1953 graduate of Lewisburg Union High School in Lewisburg, Ohio.
Shortly after graduation Dave entered the Navy, but not before marrying the love of his life, Barb. They were stationed in Annapolis, Md., and then Newfoundland, Canada. Dave served for four years as an electronics technician, followed by four years in the reserve. While stationed in Newfoundland in 1957, Dave and Barb started their beautiful family. After various moves between Michigan and Ohio, they eventually settled in Sheridan, planting roots and embedding themselves into the community some 50 years ago.
Dave was an entrepreneur at heart. He and Barb were best known for establishing Rodgers Finishing Tools “RFT” in 1970, but his other ventures included owning a gas station, a solar energy company that catered to marine craft, and even a small airport. He owned and operated Howard County Airport where he was a single engine instructor and an instrument rated multi-engine pilot with a commercial license.
Dave enjoyed all of his professional successes, but his real enjoyment came when he was able to use his hands. His ability to build and refurbish things was an art. He built ultra-light aircraft and refurbished motorcycles, planes, sailboats and even an old 1915 Model T car. Dave loved to sail and convinced Barb to live on a 35-foot sailboat for a year during early retirement.
The only thing that rivaled his love for his hobbies was the love he had for his family. A man of many talents, never boastful but always willing to teach and share his knowledge and wisdom with them. His soft blue eyes, Ralph Lauren Polo cologne smell, beautiful smile and hugs you could feel for days will be missed the most.
Dave is survived by his four children, Steven Rodgers, Melanie Rodgers, Chris Rodgers (Sheryl) and Douglas Rodgers (Tina); nine grandchildren, Malissa Crawford (Brad), Michael Rodgers (Gina), Kelly Isley (Doug), Nick Rodgers (Whitney), Grant Rodgers, Andrew Rodgers (Emily), Alexander Rodgers, Taylor Rodgers and Meredith Rodgers; 12 great-grandchildren; and nephew, Jeff Shafer (Susan).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Hilda Rodgers; his siblings, Beverly Shafer and Jimmy Rodgers; and his wife of 64 years, Barbara Rodgers.
A private memorial service will be held on October 4, 2020 at Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a public celebration of Dave and Barbara’s lives is being planned for a later date.
Please visit KerchevalFuneralHome.com to leave condolences and share your best Dave story with the family.