Charles Don "Charlie" Rogers

Charles "Charlie" Don Rogers, 48, of McAlester, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025, at his residence. A devoted public servant, business leader, and community advocate, Charlie's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his family, his hometown, and those in need.

A Celebration of Charlie's Life will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Dream City Church, 124 V. Hubert Smith Drive, McAlester, officiated by Pastor Terry Lanham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Charlie Rogers Foundation, care of First National Bank of McAlester.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.

A native of McAlester, Charlie was born on November 28, 1976, to William "Bill" LeRoy Rogers and Diane (Wingo) Rogers. He graduated from Savanna High School in 1995 and earned his Associate's Degree from Eastern Oklahoma State College. On August 10, 2013, he married Stephanie Moore, at Living Word Church in McAlester. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family, and service.

Charlie's professional journey began in law enforcement, inspired by his grandfather's own service. He began his law enforcement career as a jailer before serving with the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Department and the City of Krebs Police Department. He went on to dedicate 21 years in the law enforcement ending at the McAlester Police Department, where he retired in 2016 with the rank of Master Patrol Officer and Detective. During his tenure, he was a hostage negotiator for the SWAT team and served over a decade as President of the Fraternal Order of Police. He also contributed as a board member of the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Foundation and was active in multiple law enforcement and civic organizations.

In 2017, Charlie transitioned into business, taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of McAlester, a family-owned business founded in 1943 by his great-grandfather E.L. Rogers and his brother, Dutch. Under Charlie's leadership, the company experienced several years of impressive growth, including three years of double-digit expansion. The bottler received national accolades, including being named the No. 1 bottler in the country twice with the prestigious Don M. Kendall Award. Today, the company continues to serve the entire southeast Oklahoma market and employs nearly 65 people-including both of Charlie's sons-carrying on the proud family legacy.

Charlie's influence extended far beyond business. He was an active member of the Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association, the Independent Bottlers Association, and the American Beverage Association. A proud inductee into Marquis Who's Who, Charlie was recognized for his professional accomplishments, community impact, and leadership.

Deeply committed to his hometown, Charlie tirelessly served the McAlester community. He was a board member for Keep McAlester Beautiful, promoting recycling and neighborhood clean-ups, often providing water and supplies for volunteers. He supported McAlester Public Schools, served on the McAlester Chamber of Commerce Board, and contributed to the McAlester Regional Hospital Foundation. Charlie also championed Hudson Strong, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer, which annually provided school supplies to 5,000 students and gifts to children during the holidays.

Charlie's passions included music, hunting, fishing, and traveling. A faithful member of Living Word Church, he found great joy in family time-especially with his grandson, William Paul, whom he adored. Known for his generous spirit and humble leadership, Charlie was a true philanthropist who left a legacy of compassion, integrity, and dedication.

He was preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" L. Rogers; paternal grandfather, Gerald Don Rogers; maternal grandfather, Charles Junior Wingo; uncle, Robert "Bob" Rogers; and aunt, Rebecca "Becky" Epps.

He is survived by his grandmothers, Cathy (Meggs) Wingo and Zona (Daniel) Rogers; mother, Diane (Wingo) Rogers; wife, Stephanie Rogers; sons, Zac Rogers, Jerad Stephens and wife, Morgan, and Jace Stephens; daughter, Lacey Lee Rogers; grandson, William Paul Rogers; brother, Shaun Rogers and wife, Sherri; sister, Amber Suter and husband, Jack; uncles, Larry Wingo and wife, Crys, and Joel Wingo; aunts, Peggy Bishop and husband, Earl, and Cindy Rogers; mother-in-law, Bonnie Lowe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.