Aug 03, 2020

David Allen John Rogers

Posted Aug 03, 2020 5:37 PM

David Allen John Rogers, age 40 of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on July 31, 2020 from a tragic, small craft mid-air collision in Soldotna, Alaska. He was born on January 10, 1980, in Denver, Colorado. He was raised by his mother Renee (Hollingsworth) Rogers and husband Nick. On February 14, 2002, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Hebert in Golden, Colorado. They were blessed with three children, Madison, Ben, and Troy.

David grew up in Denver and graduated from Bear Creek High School with the Class of 1998. After graduation David immediately entered the workforce. For several years he did various jobs in pipefitting, carpentry, hardwood flooring, installing windows with Uncle Brent, and washing semis with Grandpa Lloyd. He liked traveling with Grandma Ruby and Grandpa Lloyd, and developed a deep passion for the outdoors, especially hunting, camping, and fishing. He made up his mind early on, that somehow, someway, he was going to be a professional wilderness guide.

That dream became a reality when David moved his family to Stockton. During the Summer months, he spent his days leading adventures on the Alaskan frontier, and would then return home to do the same in Rooks County, and surrounding areas, the rest of the year, through his own hunting guide business, “Beyond The Bend.” He chose that name because true to his adventurous spirit, he always knew there was something amazing, wonderful, and surprising just waiting for him and his fearless compadres, over, around, or beyond the next bend of whatever river, road, or trail they were traveling.

David had a sense of humor that was all his own. His infectious smile and use of clever sayings, known as “Davisms,” like “you get what you go get” could always put friends, family, and strangers at ease, even if there was a little tension in the air between folks. It didn’t matter who you were, when you heard him say, “We came here to kick ass and chew bubble gum! And we’re all out of bubble gum!” well, all you could do was laugh, shake your head in agreement, and get on with gettin’ along.

Unapologetic for being himself, he didn’t embarrass easily, if at all. If his clothes didn’t match, so what? If he had a tough day in the fields and came home with half a shirt and most of his sock material missing, who cares? And if he was driving, swerving on the road, looking for deer, turkeys, or sheds, you’d best just stay out of his way, or hold on for dear life if you were riding with him. Although his mom always told him to be, “Less like a rocket ship and more like a balloon,” having that Rogers’ stubborn streak, and one-track mind, he didn’t always heed that advice real close.

With all of his million-dollar ideas, like seasoned shotgun shells, David had his own unique flair in the culinary department as well. First of all, butter is not just an occasional condiment, it is a food group unto itself that goes on everything. Second, the best treat while traveling the frozen tundra of Alaska, is a PBJ Smoothie, nothing else will do. And finally, all we really know about the Coffee Bomb, is that you take unspecified portions of coffee, hot chocolate, and heavy whipping cream, then add a ridiculous amount of butter with a dash of cinnamon, and then, well, there you have it. Probably called the Bomb because it would simply take out the average coffee drinker. It is definitely not for lightweights. Which would explain the huge amount of adrenaline, buzz, and excitement, as he loudly and proudly proclaim at the beginning of each hunting excursion, “Let’s go get our asses kicked!”

Never one to shy away from saying, “I love you,” David was a devoted family man, husband, and father. He was an early morning guy, so, when he got up, it was time for everyone to be up. Although, at times, family came dragging out of bed, they knew the day was always going to be full of fun and good times. A devoted TikTok-er, well, really an obsessed addict, he spent hours sharing clips and videos with his kids, laughing and carrying on, in their own little world of sheer joy and hilarity. And, if he started to take off his socks, look out, because somebody was getting hit!

An avid sports fan, especially when his kids were playing, David was the quintessential sideline coach for every kid, no matter the sport. Always encouraging them, he strived to help them be their best at everything, and often reminded them, “If you can’t see yourself making it, you won’t.” Supplied with popcorn, water, and Snickers bars at every game, he made sure that winning was a joyous yet humble celebration, and losing was just another step forward with a lesson on how to do better next time.

Left to mourn David’s untimely passing are his wife, Rhonda of the home in Stockton; his children, Madison of Topeka, and Ben and Troy Rogers of Stockton; mother Renee Rogers of Hays, KS; father Nick Rogers of Littleton, CO; sister, Hollie Aukland and husband Craig of Littleton, CO; brothers, Ty Rogers of Brooklyn, NY, and Christopher Rogers of Huntsville, TX; grandparents, Bill and Sharon Rogers of Lakewood, CO; parents-in-law, Joe and Sue Hebert of Denver, CO; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynn and Dave Montoya of Buena Vista, CO and Melissa and Adam Fearn of Lakewood, CO; nieces and nephews, Payton and Braylon Aukland, Ayden and Avery Fearn, and Cheyenne, Colton, and Tucker Montoya; and many aunts, uncles, and friends.

Preceding David in death are his grandparents Lloyd and Ruby Hollingsworth; Mike Graham; and Michelle Hollingsworth.

The Word of God instructs us, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know what the hand of the Lord has done? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” David was a man of deep and growing faith. Although he did not realize it when he began, the more time he spent in the whole of God’s creation, day by day, closer and closer, the Lord was gently drawing him to Himself. Drawing him into a deeper understanding of life and love, and what it means to be a man, not just within his own heart and soul, but in the hearts and souls of his family, friends, neighbors, and God. In the final moments of his life, we do not know exactly what happened, but one thing is certain, as David flew over the beautiful landscape of the Alaskan heartland, just above the breaking clouds, we hope he felt, in that moment, as if he could reach out and touch the very face of God. Then suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, he did.

Click HERE for service details.