Rodger Lee Harris

Rodger L. Harris, 81, of Swink, Colorado, passed away February 6, 2026, in La Junta. He was born on January 23, 1945, in Sanger, California to Dale S. & Frances (Shannon) Harris.

As an infant, Rodger was diagnosed with polio and encephalitis, and by God’s goodness he miraculously survived. He refused to let physical limitations lessen his joy for life.

Rodger attended California State University, Fresno, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. Having a beautiful tenor voice, he toured the country with the musical singing group Up With People, which is where he met Sandra, his wife of 55 years. Rodger and Sandra were married on August 15, 1970, in New Haven, Missouri. After starting their new life together in California, they were blessed with 5 children.

For 25 years, Rodger served as Business Manager for California Planting Cotton Seed Distributors (CPCSD) in Bakersfield, California. Rodger returned to school, earned a Master’s degree in Theology, and was ordained as a minister in 1983. Rodger faithfully served as both Associate Pastor and Pastor in several churches. His call to First Baptist Church La Junta brought his family to Colorado in 1994.

He began serving as Chaplain at Colorado Boys Ranch in 1996 and remained there for 16 years. He shared God’s love with the boys and found joy in fishing, gardening, and singing in a praise band with them. Rodger came to believe that this calling was the very reason God led his family to Colorado.

Throughout his life, Rodger served in numerous ministries, including youth ministry, prison ministry, the Crisis Pregnancy Center, and at the local hospice. He also gave his time to his community as a member of the Lions Club.

Rodger loved gardening, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family—especially cheering on his grandchildren at their athletic events. He was passionate about sharing the Word of God. He taught others about Jesus every day of his life and led countless people to the Lord. Right up to his passing, he continued to serve the Lord by filling the pulpit for neighboring churches in need. He officiated countless weddings for friends, his children, and his grandchildren. His relationship with the Lord was constant and deeply personal.

Rodger was a devoted pastor, a loving husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a steadfast champion for the brokenhearted.

Rodger is survived by his wife, Sandra Harris of the Swink home; children, Stephanie (Kelly) Stevenson of Conroe, TX; Shawna (Clint) Watkins of Huntersville, NC;, Angela McElroy of Rocky Ford, CO; Matthew Harris of Swink, CO; and Joshua (Stevie) Harris of Wake Forest, NC; grandchildren, Samantha, Sydney, Chase, Alissa, Tristan, Killian, Heather (Trent), Trevor, Courtney (Jacob), Briana, Alex, Aiden and Sawyer; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Rodger is preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Frances Harris, brother, Shannon Harris and sisters, Sandra Courtney & Guinevere Harris.

Funeral service will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at River of Life Church in Ordway, Colorado with Pastors Tim Muth of Valley Community Church and Glenn Rumrill of River of Life Church officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta. Interment at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta at 1:30.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Perez & Peacock Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.