The Superior Express -

Keith Hiatt Rogers was born on Jan. 5, 1926, in Montrose, Kansas. He was the youngest of 11 children born to Oscar and Inda (Hiatt) Rogers. Keith was a WWII veteran, serving in the Pacific and earning numerous medals including the Purple Heart. After returning from war, Keith married the love of his life, Doris Leona Lamb, of Northbranch, Kansas on Aug. 6, 1950. Keith had three children, Rose Rogers, Deanna Walters and Keith Eugene Rogers, all of Abilene; grandchildren Shawn Walters (Mindy) of Boise, Idaho, and Amanda Aguon, Abilene; as well as great-grandchild, Jasper Aguon, Abilene.

Keith owned grocery stores in Mankato and Burr Oak for a time. Eventually he moved with his wife and children to Abilene where he started working at Viola's Grocery store and then worked at the commissary in Fort Riley, Kansas, until retirement. Being a hard worker and not being one to take retirement easily, Keith came out of retirement several more times over the years and worked at Zey's Grocery Store as their meatcutter as well as painting houses.

Keith was a member of the United Methodist Church in Abilene and was actively involved in matters of Camp Mary Dell, eventually having Rogers Hall named for him as he had built the building along with Richard Reitz.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his daughter, Rose; and his son, Keith Eugene.

He is survived by his daughter, Deanna; grandchildren, Shawn and Amanda; and great-grandchild, Jasper.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, at the Abilene Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be given to the Abilene First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.danner funeralhome.net.