Norman Dale Rogers, 90, entered the loving arms of his Lord and Savior August 8, 2018 at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson, Kansas. The son Ad and Leola Rogers, he was born in Glasco, Kansas on May 25, 1928. He obtained his Master of Science Degree in Psychology in 1951 from Kansas State University, and in 1960, a Master of Social Work Degree from The University of Kansas. His career included working for the Kansas State School for the Blind in Kansas City, Social Worker in Ottawa, Director of Social Work in Parsons, and he retired in 1989 as Chief of Social Services, Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.
Never one to take the easy road, Norman had two careers at the same time. He began his ministry in 1960 at Homewood Christian Church, rural Ottawa, Kansas and discovered his passion for sharing the gospel and touching lives. After moving to Parsons, Kansas in 1962, he became pastor of Shaw Christian Church in Shaw, Kansas. He also served as pastor for several churches in Erie, Kansas and was very active in Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship. After retirement from social work he devoted himself to full-time ministry and assisted Salina Foursquare Church, pastored Abilene Foursquare Church, Buckeye Church of the Brethren, Newton's Hillcrest Community Church, and provided pulpit supply for almost every denomination. He never fully retired, leading a home church in his late eighties, and he never stopped caring for people and changing lives.
He met the love of his life while attending college in Manhattan, Kansas, and married Ruth Jana Outler, July 9, 1950 in Mankato, Kansas. They shared a deep faith and she ministered side by side with Norman all of his life. One of the things they enjoyed most was traveling together, but their favorite trips were the numerous missionary trips to the Philippines, Nigeria and Mexico. She survives.
Other surviving family members are 2 sons, Donn (Janet) Rogers, Doug (Marci) Rogers; 1 daughter, Debbie (Roy) Little; 1 son in law, Pat O'Hanlon; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Norman and Ruth have passed on a strong legacy of faith to their family. He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 daughter, Donna (Dee); 1 sister, Lila; 3 brothers, Melvin, Ross and Max.
Per his request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at Mennonite Friendship Communities, 600 W. Blanchard, South Hutchinson, Kansas, Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will be in Glasco Cemetery, Glasco, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Foursquare Missions International or North Central Kansas Teens for Christ (NCKTFC) and left in care of the funeral home.
Old Mission – Heritage Funeral Home, Hutchinson, Kansas, is in charge of local arrangements.