William Gordon Rogers

William Gordon Rogers was born March 4, 1935, in Mancos, Colorado to William Edward Rogers and Gwendolyn Bushman. He passed away peacefully on February 11, 2022, at the Meadows Care Center in St. George, Utah. He was the second of six sons. His brothers were Clair (Alice & Helen), Richard (Janice), Bruce, John (Diana), and Doug (Rosalie). Bill (later preferring Will) spent his younger years in St. George, Cedar City, New Castle and Mt. Trumble, Arizona, as his father was involved in the ranching and trucking businesses. The family moved back to St. George for good when he was in high school. Will grew up riding horses, doing typical ranch activities and often spent his summers with his father out prospecting.

William married Sheron Snow (later divorced) and they had three children: Jeffrey (Mitzie), Michelle (Michael North), and Marcia (Craig Hammer). He later married Linda Joyce Vandermark in Seattle, where they had many wonderful years together until she died of cancer in 1996. After her passing he returned to St. George and married Lorna Graff McArthur. Lorna was a great blessing to Will and she took great care of him as his health began to decline.

Will graduated from Dixie High School and attended Dixie College before his years of study at the University of Utah in physics. His Ph.D. work in physics was classified by the U.S. Navy, which prevented him from ever obtaining that degree. Will left the university for Southern California where he worked for the Autonetics Division of North American Aviation Systems with expertise in missile guidance systems. His team was instrumental in perfecting the Minuteman Missile project. He later moved to St. Louis with McDonald Douglas Corporation involved with F-4 fighter jets. His communication skills in highly detailed scientific concepts took him all over the world in international business. Most notably, he was Vice President of Marketing for Intermec International (the company that first developed the bar code system) which allowed he and Linda to live in Germany for almost two years. His business travels took him all over the world including all of the countries of Europe, Scandinavia and the Far East as well as Russia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Dubai, Pakistan, India, Singapore and Australia.

Will loved sports. He played offensive end in football for Coach Walt Brooks at Dixie High School and Dixie College where he attended on an athletic scholarship. He loved the game of golf, and he spent many wonderful hours on the golf courses of the world and later with Lorna, they enjoyed our local venues, particularly Green Springs. They also attended many Dixie College football and basketball games. He loved the Jazz and never missed a game. He could tell you all the scores and stats of all the players.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sealed to Linda Joyce Vandermark in the Seattle Temple. He was a gifted speaker and teacher. He enjoyed his callings as gospel doctrine teacher in both Seattle and St. George. He was the High Priest Group Leader at the Meadows Care Center which probably prompted his desire to enter that facility when his health began to decline.

Will is survived by his three children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers with the exception of Clair, who passed away in August 2021.The family would like to thank the Meadows staff (Grant Needham) and the staff from Zion’s Way Hospice (Brett, Sara and Michelle) for their wonderful caring efforts in his behalf. A private family celebration was held on February 18, 2022.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign William's online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com