Charles Randolph Rogers, age 68, of New London died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born May 5, 1955 in Ravenna to Randolph and Hilda (Moss) Rogers, he moved to Grafton at the age of 12 and graduated from Midview High School in 1973. He then lived in LaGrange for a year before he joined the United States Air Force.

During his time in the Air Force, Charles was stationed in both Texas and South Carolina where he served as military police; one of his assignments was guarding the Blue Angels. He would go on to earn the rank of Sergeant and later worked in Transportation, where he had the honor of chauffeuring many leaders from around the world. In one instance, he had the privilege of transporting General Doolittle and The Raiders, after which he was invited to take a shot with them.

After leaving the military, Charles and his family settled in New London, Ohio where he would be a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion. He was also on the Agricultural Heritage of Huron County alongside his wife.

Charles was a true family man. When he met his wife, Ann (Williams) on January 19, 1974, it didn't take him long to know that they belonged together and the couple became engaged just weeks later on Valentine's Day. They would get married on March 30th of the same year, and go on to have five children in just five years. While some would say things started quickly for the family, they built a life of love that would span fifty incredible years.

Charles truly cherished the time that he spent with his wife and children. He worked as a truck driver, but was happiest when he was home with those that he loved most. His children would say that though their childhood was strict, it was filled with love. They say he was fun, hilarious, adventurous, curious about life, and he pulled daily pranks. He was the father that always made time for them, and more than just a good father or dad, he embodied the term 'daddy' as a best friend to them all even into their adult years. He loved family meals, making pizza on Saturdays and pancakes on Sunday mornings along with churning his own butter. He also shared his hobbies with his family; he was a musician, playing guitar, and an outdoorsman who took great pride in his garden and the chickens that he raised. You always saw him riding his John Deere's around and working on The Farm. He also liked cars, especially corvettes and jaguars, and was quite the backyard mechanic, teaching his kids to maintain their own vehicles. On the weekends, you would find him and his family cheering on Ohio State University and every Sunday was NFL where he would cheer for the Miami Dolphins.

Left to cherish Charles' memory are his wife, Ann, of New London; five children, Marandie "Mandi" (Christopher Lightner) Kruki of Medina, Shane (Leslie) Rogers of Marble Head, Damien "D" Rogers of Wellington, Shalon "Shay" (Jeannette "Nettie") Rogers of Elyria, and Kari (Jeremy) Jones of New London, along with Patrick White of Ashland and Andrew Searight of Clarksfield, who weren't biological children but were loved and treated as his own; Sister-in-law Barbara Williams, Grandchildren; Alec, Adonn, Ava, Mason, Joshua, Gillian, Brynnleigh, Persephone, Berkley, Sloane, Ethan, Shean, Faith, Lily, Madisyn, Ally, Brook, and Cori; great-grandchildren, Kieran, Sutton, and a third on the way; his parents, Randolph and Hilda Rogers of Tennessee; and Mary Jane (Roger) Jenkins of Tennessee. Charles was preceded in death by a brother, Dan Rogers, Brother-in-law Ross Williams and Nephews Jeff Williams and Ted Williams.

A memorial celebration with Military Honors will be held at the New London American Legion, 185 N. Main Street on Saturday, March 2, 2024 beginning at 3:00 p.m.  The Eastman Funeral Home in New London is honored to assist the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.