Ernest Zoeckler Rogers

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ernest Zoeckler "Ernie" Rogers, age 94 of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2011 in Fair Acres Nursing Home, Du Quoin, Ill.

Ernie was born on Dec. 13, 1916 in Du Quoin, Ill., a son to William Ernest and Olga Marie (Zoeckler) Rogers. On April 17, 1954, he married Margaret Lee Bradley in Du Quoin, Ill. and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2002. Ernie was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Du Quoin, Ill., where he was the oldest living church member, having attended for 83 years. He was a truck driver for Blue Bell Packing Company, retiring after 36 years and also worked and managed Kroger stores in Elkville, Sesser and Du Quoin. Ernie was a member of I.O.O.F., coached Little League baseball and was an avid sports fan, especially watching the Chicago Cubs. He loved stamp and coin collecting and model trains. Ernie was a loving father and grandfather and dearly loved spending time with his family.

Ernie is survived by two sons, Bradley (Joan) Rogers of Vergennes, Ill. and Forrest (Sheri) Rogers of Tamaroa, Ill.; one sister, Alice (Paul) Ververs of Ft Morgan, Colo.; five grandchildren, Charity, Ethan, Dustin, Christian and Alexander and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Larry Dean Rogers; and one brother, Victor Rogers.

Funeral services were held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Michael Ebersohl officiating. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Park, Du Quoin, Ill.

Friends may called at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Du Quoin, Ill.

For more information and to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.