William Dow Rogers

William (Will) Dow Rogers of Louisville, OH and Tarpon Springs FL, passed away surrounded by family on May 19, 2025 at the age of 91. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Kathern (Davis) Rogers.

Will is also survived by his children Mark Rogers of Malvern, Diana (Lynne) Rogers and her husband Dr. Bradley Waite of CT, and Kimberly (Rogers) Thomas of Minerva and her partner Dr. David Johns; his sisters Burma Amburgy of Charleston WV, Elaine Foster of Lakeland FL, and Joy Fitzwater of Indore WV; and his grandchildren Aaron Rogers, Dana (Rogers) Sourek, Marisa (Miller) Yitsis, Ryan Miller, Ciara Thomas and Erin Thomas as well as ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Mitzi Moore.

Will was born on October 12, 1933, in Alloy, WV to the late Norval and Dormal Rogers. He was graduated from Clay County High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he was honored to have served as a paratrooper. Will and Kathern proudly raised their family in Navarre and Minerva OH before settling in Louisville.

Will worked for many years at Republic Steel in Canton as a welder. For the last 30 years since their retirement Will and Kathern spent their winters in Florida including the last 20 years in Tarpon Springs where they enjoyed the company of wonderful friends.

Will was an accomplished musician, playing guitar and pedal steel guitar. He enjoyed organizing lively music jams and gatherings of fellow musicians. He often had weekly musical gigs or casual events playing classic country music with friends, whom he made with ease.

He was a longtime member of the Canton Baptist Temple. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the lights of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours are Friday, May 23 from 10-11am at the Canton Baptist Temple Chapel (Henninger Ministry Center, 515 Whipple Avenue, Canton, OH) followed by a funeral service at 11am and burial at Northlawn Cemetery in Canton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support patients and loved ones at Aultman Hospice and Compassionate Care Center. Gifts can be made online at Aultman.org/hospicegifts or by sending a check made payable to The Aultman Foundation, 2600 Sixth Street SW, Canton OH 44710.

                                                Stier-Israel Funeral Home  330-875-1414

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