Dexter Rogers, 74

Jan 17, 2017

Dexter F. Rogers, 74, of Onset died peacefully surrounded by love, losing his battle to esophageal cancer. He was the husband of Kathleen P. (Joyce) Rogers.

Born Aug. 25, 1942, he was the son of the late Dexter C. and Lillian May (Lincoln) Rogers and was one of eight children growing up in Boston.

Dexter served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war as a military police officer and was stationed in Hawaii. After his military service, he owned and operated Jackson Square Auto Repair in Weymouth for more than 30 years.

During his retirement, Dexter spent his time maintaining the greens at Little Harbor Country Club where he enjoyed the great game of golf. He was also an active member in the Wareham/New Bedford Lodge of Elks.

Known for always having his cowboy boots on, even in his hospital gown, he loved John Wayne. Living by one of his quotes, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” That is how Dexter faced life and his illness. A long-standing Christmas tradition, Dexter always watched “It’s A Wonderful Life,” where in the movie, the angel Clarence says, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” There is a huge hole now.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen and together they had three daughters, Denise McDowell of West Barnstable, Michelle Baker of Onset and Kristeen Durand of Litchfield, New Hampshire. Through the years Dexter gained sons, Brendan Farrell, Timothy McDowell, Joshua Baker and Brian Durand. Kathleen and Dexter have eight grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Dorothy Vallee of Brockton, Shirley Grispi of Florida Charlie G.Rogers of Abington, Donna Morgan of New Hampshire and Joan Arsenault or Burlington. He was predeceased by his sister, the late Patricia Baxley and his brother, the late George Rogers.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Route 28), Wareham on Friday, Jan. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place at the Wareham – New Bedford Lodge of Elks, 2855 Cranberry Highway, Wareham on Friday immediately following the visiting hours.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wareham-New Bedford Lodge of Elks, P.O. Box 566, E.Wareham, MA 02538. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.