Kenneth Given Rogers

Kenneth Given Rogers passed into Heaven on November 2, 2025 (All Souls Day) with his brother Bill at his side. Ken was the fifth son of the Rev. William P. Rogers, Sr. and Catherine Elizabeth Rogers, and was born in Houston on December 4, 1957. As a child in Houston, Ken loved to climb trees with his brothers, and roll down the hill in Hermann Park. He loved going to movies with his family, especially seeing "Pinocchio". He really enjoyed going to the beach and building sand "castles". Ken was very careful in saving his allowance for fun toys. He started reading at an early age, and continued in his love for books as an adult. He had a true curiosity for life, shown in his asking innumerable questions of his older brothers.
When he was in the third grade his family moved to New Braunfels. Ken was a student of politics from a very early age. He even started watching the national news when he was in the fifth grade. Ken was a true lover of board games like Monopoly. He also loved playing with his little sisters. In high school, Ken was on the staff of the award winning newspaper, where he wrote poetry and articles for the Opinion section. He also won several trophies for Debate and Oration. Ken continued his strong passion for movies, especially those which were serious and thoughtful, and often international.
Ken moved to Austin and graduated from Austin H.S. in 1976. He then attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a B.A. in History. Ken had a ton of fun making two short student films. After graduation, Ken was part of "U.T. 16" which was a group who temporarily occupied the office of the President of U.T. in protest, to encourage the University to divest from South Africa due to Apartheid. Ken worked as a Mental Health Worker at Austin State Hospital and at the State School in Corpus Christi. Several fellow workers said that "he was the most caring and loving caregiver to the clients". Ken once said that he felt a strong personal connection with the clients at the State School who were the most seriously intellectually challenged. Ken started writing a novel, and he loved classical music, especially the composer Respighi. Ken became a Roman Catholic and prayed the rosary for individual members of the family, especially his nephews and nieces for whom he loved with all of his heart. Ken served for years as a helper for his brother Mark and his father, once again, showing his servant's heart. Later in life, Ken had his own mental health challenges, which he faced bravely and honorably. He followed the Twelve Step Program of AA, and attended group meetings, which gave him strength. Ken loved the challenge of making each clerk in stores laugh with him. Ken was very generous in his giving to other homeless men and women. He had a super quick wit, which he used to help you feel better when having an argument. Ken is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Mark, and sister-in-law Anita Rogers. As Ken's body became ill, he was a blessing to so many nurses and doctors who would say what a sweet gentleman he was.
Ken is survived by his brothers Phil, Dave, and Bill, as well as his sisters Sara Kellner (Mark), Mary Rogers, and Nancy Mowen (Charlie); 14 nieces and nephews and 22 grand nephews and nieces, with one on the way.
Special thanks to his favorite caregiver, Ms. Barbara Ann, who treated him with dignity and love. His family is thankful to God for making Ken healthy and whole again. The funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on December 5 th at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 909 Main St., in Kerrville, Texas. Reception and interment will follow. Service arrangements by Wright's Funeral Parlor, 1913 Junction Highway, Kerrville, Texas 78028.
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