Joseph Thomas Rodgers

Joseph T. Rodgers “Joe”, 89, of Upper Marlboro, MD died on January 3, 2016. Born in Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe), PA, he is the son of the late Louise Binder Rodgers and Philip F. Rodgers, Sr. After high school, Joe entered the US Naval Service and received an Honorable Discharge on June 30, 1954. He served in the Naval Reserves after active service during World War II and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in History from King's College in Wilkes Barre, PA, in 1950, and a Master's Degree in Education from the George Washington University in 1960. His first career was as an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. Thereafter, he taught history at Buck Lodge Junior and High Point Senior High Schools in Prince George's County, MD, before taking administrative and managerial positions in transportation and the central garage facility at the Prince George's County Board of Education in Upper Marlboro, MD, from which he retired in the early 80s. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed sports, gardening, fishing, and making bird houses. He was an enthusiastic participant for 15+ years in the walking and exercise classes at Prince George's Community College and a 25+ year member of American Legion Post 0259. After his wife’s retirement in 1991, Joe and Faye drove cross country during 3 trips, admiring the beauty of many different national parks in the United States. They also enjoyed playing a good game of golf. He was the beloved husband of Faye M. Rodgers; loving father of William “Bill" Rodgers (Sherry) of Bend, OR, Ken Rodgers (Shirley Hofeld) of Eugene, OR, Janice Ford (Ronald) of West Friendship, MD and Lois Boland (Mike) of NW Washington, DC; dear brother of Charles “Bucky” Rodgers (Louise) of Mountain Top, PA and Ann Pennell of Jim Thorpe, PA. He is also survived by eight Grandchildren, Christine, Matthew, Allison, Samantha, Joseph, Sean, Carly and Lauren and seven Great-Grandchildren Talus, Rally, Rome, Isadora, Langston, Owen and Finn. Joe was predeceased by the late Ida Rodgers, his first wife and mother of his children and also his siblings the late Philip Rodgers, Rosemary Lehr and Sr. Clementia Rodgers. For those desiring, contributions in memory of Joe may be directed to the Fisher House Foundation, P.O. Box 97229 Washington, DC 20077-7804. Online condolences may be made at www.leefuneralhomes.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Thomas Rodgers please visit our Sympathy Store.