Stephen Jack Rogers' Obituary
Stephen Jack Rogers, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 24, 2024. Born December 17, 1953, in Houston, Texas, Steve was the second of three brothers. Growing up, Steve was particularly known for his toughness and courage in any situation he found himself in. Every person I have met from Steve's youth talks about how fearless "Babo" was growing up, never backing down from anyone regardless of the size and age differences. As some have said, "you always wanted Babo on your side". Steve was an avid fan of comic books from a young age, and would make jokes that he was Captain America, as they shared the same name (and arguably courage). Steve was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, boxing, and track (briefly going to college for track). He was very gifted at athletics, and once settings his mind on something, he accomplished it well - like casually picking up bowling and bowling a 298. In his youth, you would routinely find Steve playing sports with friends and his brothers. Many stories have originated from his days of pickup basketball at the park. During high school, Steve started working part-time for his father, Jack, at Baylor College of Medicine as a carpenter. It was a career that would eventually span 50 years of service, underlying his dedication and determination. Working closely with his dad for many years, Steve developed a very close bond with Jack, and eventually would go on to succeed his father as the manager of the carpenter shop. Steve always strived to be fair with everyone he dealt with and was an honest employee and manager.
After literally building his house with his own two hands, Steve married Lisa Cunningham, and became a father to two boys: Garrett Cunningham Rogers and Collin Stephen Rogers. He was a very proud father, who would brag about his boys to any stranger that would listen to him, up until the day he died. While raising his sons, Steve would regularly spend time with his sons playing sports, BBQing, fishing, or watching TV. He had connected with Garrett over their fondness in sports and was even his coach for a few summers. He made every sporting event Garrett participated in, regardless of how he was feeling, as he once came directly from being discharged from the hospital to a track meet. Steve had connected with Collin over movies, shows, and both of their ability to brawl. They took many trips together to the movie theater and had a very strong bond. Even though his sons were different, he never compared them to each other and loved them with all of his heart and soul. Steve was a very good storyteller, animated in all his voices, and getting into character to recreate the scene to the best of his ability. Steve loved to make others laugh and had a smile that was contagious (even if you were shaking your head). Steve was also a good cook, but arguably a better food critic to those who knew him best.
Being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2003, with a 6-month prognosis, Steve's toughness was once again on display. He pushed on for another 20 arduous years filled with surgeries and chemotherapies, while still working full-time. Through all of his trials, Steve NEVER once complained of his sickness to his sons, as he always said he was fortunate to still be there with them (in the end, his passing wasn't from cancer - a fact he would be too humble to admit, but we are proud of it). Steve would routinely spend hours in prayer at night. He prayed for his family, his coworkers, his friends, and would tell his sons he was only still around through prayer alone. Steve beat the odds of cancer, telling his sons he wished he could just see them graduate junior high. But through God's grace and Steve’s tenacity, he was blessed to see his sons graduate high school, graduate college, get married, and enjoy spending time with his five grandchildren. After retirement, Steve lived in Boerne, Texas with his sons and enjoyed his hilltop views and slower, peaceful way of life. His grandchildren brought him such joy, and he once again would brag to strangers about how smart, funny, and pretty his grandchildren were.
This magnificent man, Stephen Jack Rogers, was preceded in returning to Heaven by his parents: Jack Woodrow Rogers and Mary Josephine Rogers. Stephen is survived by his brothers: Michael Rogers (Elizabeth Rogers) and Keith Rogers, his sons: Garrett Rogers (Cheryl Rogers) and Collin Rogers (Celeste Rogers), and his five grandchildren: Jack Rogers, Callie Jean Rogers, Charlotte Rogers, Eloise Rogers, and Ellis Rogers. Public visitation will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 1pm, followed by a service at 2pm at South Park Funeral Home in Pearland, Texas.
To the man who was tough as nails, but had a soft heart and smile, I love you and miss you so much Dad. You were a fair man.
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