Wilford Henry Rogers

A celebration of life for Wilford Henry Rogers, 88, of Anadarko will be held Tuesday, May 29th at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Anadarko with Pastor Lynn Bellamy officiating. Burial to follow at Memory Lane Cemetery under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home.
Mr. Rogers was born December 4, 1929 near Gracemont, Ok to James W. Rogers and Winnie Belle Hudson Rogers. He went to his heavenly home on May 22, 2018.
Wilford attended school at Washita and graduated in 1948. He joined the United States Navy in June 1948. He attended basic training in San Diego, CA. During his 22 years of faithful service he was stationed in Chinocoteague, VA, Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, Yokosuka, Japan, Little Creek, VA, Davisville, RI, Antarctica, Norman Ok, Port Hueneme, CA, Midway Island, Pacific, Nakon Phnom, Thailand, Yuma, AZ, and Gulf Port, MS. He bravely served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars where he was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal with Valor, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Korean War Service Medal, 2 Vietnam War Service Medals with Fleet Marine Combat Operations, 4 Navy Good Conduct Medals, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, and 2 United Nations Medals. He retired from the Navy in 1970 as a Chief Petty Officer. He served his country all over the world, but his favorite place was always home.
After retiring from the Navy, Wilford attended the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts in Chickasha where he graduated with a Bachelor of Economics. He then served 20 years in Civil Service.
He married the love of his life and best friend, Bette Carole Colburn on September 9, 1953 and from this union came 2 beautiful daughters, Lois Carole and Nancy Jo.
Wilford dedicated his life to the Lord as a teenager and served him faithfully throughout his entire life. He was an active member of Anadarko First Baptist Church for over 40 years. He served as a bus driver for multiple ministries, sanctuary choir member, youth sponsor, and helped cook men's breakfast and countless other church meals including the community wide Christmas dinners. He also served side by side with his wife on the funeral ministry. He served with the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief ministry for many years.
Wilford was known as "Papa" by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he gave Bette Rogers affectionate nicknames. He was known for many wonderful qualities but most famously for his ability to, "fix anything but a broken heart."
He was proceeded in death by his parents, James W. and Winnie Belle Rogers, his grandparents, his brothers Raymond, Alvin, and Virgil Rogers, daughter Carole Rogers Finn, and grandson William.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Bette Rogers, of the home, daughter Nancy Rogers Prewitt and her husband Larry Prewitt, of Anadarko. His grandchildren, Heather Christianson of Cyril; Matthew Weathers and his wife Rhonda, of Slidell, TX; Shawnna Moore and her husband John of Cyril; and Rachel Shaull (Pumpkin) and her husband Jeremy of Orlando, FL. Great grandchildren Elizabeth Garza (Kitten) of Lawton; Joshua Garza (Tiger) of Cyril; Breanna Pritchett (Puddin') and her husband Tyler of El Paso; Lance Moore (Hot Shot) of Cyril; Avery (Sweet Pea) and Allison Weathers (Rosebud) of Slidell, TX; and Henry Shaull (Chief) of Orlando, FL. His great great granddaughter Logan Garza (Bright Eyes) of Lawton. His sister Alita Horn of Oklahoma City and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of loving family and friends. He will be remembered for his kind heart and wonderful, infectious smile and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Wilford's memory for scholarships to Falls Creek and children's church camp to Anadarko First Baptist Church.
Bette and the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Anadarko Fire Department, the staff at the Anadarko Physician's Hospital and Carter home health and hospice teams for the exceptional and compassionate care Wilford received in his last few months here.
Services are under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home of Anadarko, Oklahoma.