Hershel Ray Rogers, Sr.

Hershel Ray Rogers Sr. passed away on December 1, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on November 9, 1942, in Idabel, Oklahoma to his parents, Robert Fulton Rogers and Hazel Christine (Walker) Rogers.

Hershel was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved aunt and uncle, LaDell Gamble and Woodrow Gamble; his brothers, Bobby and Earnest; his sisters, Jeannie, Joyce, and Sue; his nephew, Jerry Keeling; and his father-in-law, William Bill Hunt.

On November 10, 2002, he married the love of his life, Linda Rogers, in Wright City, Oklahoma.

Hershel proudly served as the administrator for the Oklahoma Army National Guard for more than 16 years. He later built a distinguished career in banking, working at First State Bank of Idabel. He then later served as Senior Vice President at McCurtain County National Bank of Idabel.

He raised horses and cattle, and cherished his time outdoors. He was an avid supporter of youth in agriculture, cheering on and encouraging every 4-H and FFA student he met. His dedication led to him becoming an Honorary Member of the Idabel FFA. He was also a longtime active member of the Kiwanis Club of Idabel.

Hershel’s faith guided his life’s work. He pastored both the Freewill Baptist Church - Idabel and later the First Christian Church - Idabel, touching countless lives through compassion, service, and heartfelt ministry. He was known as a man who feared God, loved family fiercely, and cared for people without hesitation.

He loved life, people, the outdoors, children, and especially cheering on his beloved Sooners as a proud fan of the Oklahoma Sooners. Above all, Hershel was family-oriented, caring, compassionate, generous, and always willing to lift up the next generation. To so many, he was simply “Papaw.”

Hershel is survived by his wife, Linda Rogers; his daughters, Susan Leonard and Cayla Piccolo; his son, Hershel Rogers Jr.; his grandchildren, Jennifer Webb and her husband, Michael Webb, Jasmine Leonard, Jake Leonard and his wife, Montanna Leonard, Mandy Morgan and her husband, Brandon Morgan, and Miranda Rogers; his great-grandchildren, Brailynn Young, Joclynn Young, Hayzlei Gibson, Konlee Richards, Raleigh Leonard, Emma Morgan, Brody Morgan, Zakary Allison, and Idanesi Geierman; mother-in-law, Barbara Cline; and many extended family members, nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, December 5, 2025 at Clardy Funeral Service Chapel. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Clardy Funeral Service Chapel with Bro. David Flanary officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery.

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