Steve Raymond Rogers

Steve Rogers Jr. passed from this life on Thursday, January 8, 2025. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10 from 5-7pm at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 11 at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church in Tuscola with a burial to follow in McBee Cemetery.

Steve Raymond Rogers Jr was born in December 1950 in Groom, Texas, to Steve and Helen Rogers. He was raised in Clarendon, Texas, alongside six sisters and one brother, where strong family bonds and lifelong values were formed.

Steve lived a life defined by service. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Vietnam War veteran and devoted more than 40 years to law enforcement as a peace officer. His career included service with the Clarendon Police Department, Abilene Police Department, and Abilene Christian University Police Department. He was known for his dedication, toughness, and unwavering commitment to protecting others.

Steve spent most of his life in Ovalo, Texas, with his wife, Kathy, to whom he was married for 53 years. He was deeply involved in his community, serving on the school board and coaching soccer, always willing to give his time wherever it was needed.

Above all, Steve loved his family. He was the proud father of John and Raynonda, and his home was often filled with numerous nieces and nephews whom he joyfully guided, teased, and helped shape along the way. While he was known as a tough, no-nonsense officer, everything changed when his grandchildren arrived. The once-gruff bulldog of a cop became a softhearted "Poppa," rarely able to say no and overflowing with love.

Steve cherished time spent hunting and fishing with his grandchildren, attending sporting events, and faithfully showing up to support every activity involving his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His legacy lives on in the lives he protected, the family he loved fiercely, and the countless memories shared with those closest to him.

He leaves behind numerous family and friends that will miss him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve's honor to Safety City in Abilene, Texas.  Mailing address: City of Abilene  Attn: Safety City  4565 S 1st  Abilene, TX  79605.